Openings & Closings: Tap; Mikado; Crepes on Columbus; Runaway Poppy; Grassroots Fitness Project

By Lisa Kava and Natalie Demaree

Tap, a gluten-free Brazilian cafe at 267 Columbus Avenue (between West 72 and West 73rd streets), is expanding into the space next door at 265 Columbus Avenue. “We plan to unveil the new space around April,” co-owner Pedro Uchoa wrote to West Side Rag in an email.

Tap will remain open throughout the renovation process. “The space will be expanded by nearly 55% and we will be adding a dedicated lounge area, more seating, a Brazilian graffiti mural, and  experiential restroom,” Pedro Uchoa wrote. Founded on the Upper West Side in 2017 and led by Pedro and his brother Cleo Uchoa, Tap now has locations, in midtown, Queens and in Miami. Tap is an acronym for the cafe’s three main product pillars which are Brazilian food staples: T for Tapioca (sandwiches), A for Acai (acai bowls from Brazil), and P for Pao de Queijo (Brazilian cheesebread.) The expansion of the Upper West Side is “a thank you to the neighborhood, Pedro Uchoa wrote. “It’s where we poured our first cup of coffee, and baked our first Pao de Queijo. The Upper West Side is the heart of the brand.” J&E hair salon which closed in August, was previously in the space. (Thanks to Scott for the tip.)

Mikado, a Japanese restaurant, is “soft opening” at 137 West 72nd Street (between Columbus and Amsterdam avenues), on February 19th, a representative wrote to West Side Rag in an email. Mikado serves teriyaki, noodle dishes, dumplings, and a full sushi menu. It has multiple other NYC locations including: Chelsea, Brooklyn, FiDi, Brooklyn, Queens, and the Upper East Side. “We are very excited to bring the restaurant to the neighborhood,” the representative wrote. Zen Medica, a vitamin shop which closed in June, was previously in the space. (Thanks to Cathy for the tip.)

Crepes on Columbus, a creperie which served breakfast and brunch at 990 Columbus Avenue (between West 108th and West 109th streets), permanently closed on February 3rd. “After twenty years, our lease was not renewed,” a representative wrote to West Side Rag in an email. The same owners will continue to operate Trudy’s Ice Cream at 975 Columbus Avenue (at West 108th  Street). They are considering serving sweet crepes out of Trudy’s which would be for take-away only, the representative wrote. (Thanks to Pip for the tip.)

Runaway Poppy,  a gift shop at 2244 Broadway (between West 80th and West 81st streets),  is moving to 461 Amsterdam Avenue (at West 82nd Street) in March, owner Cara Milling told West Side Rag. Runaway Poppy, which sells items such as ceramic bowls and mugs, photographic prints, jewelry, bags, greeting cards, and games, operated a holiday pop-up out of the space in December. Chalait, the matcha cafe which closed in November was previously in the space. (Thanks to Scott for the tip.)

Grassroots Fitness Project, an Upper West Side fitness studio specializing in women’s strength, is opening a second location at 250 West 106th Street in mid-April. Grassroots has an existing location at 371 Amsterdam Avenue (at West 78th Street). Grassroots was founded as The Studio in 2003 by personal trainers and married couple Heather Gunn Rivera and Will Rivera. In 2004 it was officially incorporated as Grassroots Fitness Project. Women’s strength classes at Grassroots are offered in small groups. The studio also offers private training, and strength and conditioning for teens and tweens. “We are excited to expand at a time when women are truly embracing strength, and more people are prioritizing longevity, muscle health, and overall well being,” Gunn Rivera wrote to West Side Rag in an email. The new space will have two floors: the first floor will be dedicated to Grassroots women’s strength programming, and the second floor will be for individual coaching and personal training with an instructor. “This expansion allows us to grow thoughtfully, more room, more equipment, and more opportunities to support people across all stages of life.”

The Openings & Closings column wouldn’t be possible without our many tipsters: thank you! Anyone can send tips about openings and closings in the neighborhood to info@westsiderag.com.

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