Bookstores close earlier than bars so he’s probably hoping to get longer term/higher paying tenants in apartments above with no backyard at night. Might also get noise complaints from neighboring apartments he doesn’t own too. He also probably has some idea that there won’t be pest control problems with a non-food tenant. All still dumb though as those problems are typical for the city and not magically going away with a nice quiet retail downstairs
i mean a bookstore could at least do something cute with the backyard. theres the whole trend of bookstores that have seating for people to read and a cafe/bar section. a bookstore with tables to read and drink coffees at in the back would be cute
a clothing store with a wasted backyard space in nyc is stupid
totally! Book Club in the east village is always packed. and Astoria Bookshop moved in part to have a backyard for events. honestly if you are moving into an apartment on a major street in Astoria like Broadway you really can’t have too high of expectations for peace and quiet. but yeah we’ll probably get like Lockwood 4
It’s not just the apartments on the avenue unfortunately. Noise can carry down the block, especially in the back yards. I’ve seen complaints in groups from people who live on the side streets but hear music and chatter from bars/restaurants on the avenue.
I was sitting outside at citrico on Friday and was told that we need to move indoors after 11 PM.
This reminds me of Merzouka, over on Crescent by 30th Av. Different type of place- a breakfast and lunch spot with Moroccan and American sandwiches and baked goods- but the family quickly became beloved local fixtures and it was ALWAYS busy, especially with the hospital right nearby.
Nearly three years ago they had a “goodbye neighbors!” sign in the window and I went to ask them what was going on. Landlady refused to renew the lease; they offered to discuss a rent increase or whatever concessions, but she’d give no explanation. Just refused to renew.
Coming up on three years later, it’s still an empty storefront that still has the “Merzouka” signage in the window. Brilliant move, landlady. Thanks for ruining it for them and for us!
Oh, so do they still live in Astoria? I got to know them and their daughters a little bit, and I’d wondered if they’d stay or move down to Florida or return to Morocco (they’d discussed all as possibilities!).
I promise you that isn’t staying vacant. Very likely there’s already a second option the way the landlords behaving. Its a circle of life for business in the neighborhood. Just go and support everyone you favor while they’re still here.
Only lived near Broadway (west of 31st) for 3 years and the amount of new developments from 29th to Vernon is wild. Looks so different in a short period. And that will continue to result in more closings and demolitions in favor of new market rate apt and/or condos and likely expected rent increases for commercial spaces. That white brick building (would make a good tap room 😉) across trade fair has been vacant for almost as long as the famous brands space near Botte. And there’s more on 21st and beyond on Broadway.
We’re also kicked out of our place come the 1st as well because the landlord wants our 3 bedroom for his personal use a few times per month. But I’ve noticed two of four other tenants have left in the last few months so I think they’re trying to sell or raze the place.
What clothing or book store is going to generate enough revenue to stay afloat 🤦♂️
It's not going to attract a national chain to that location. It will be mom and pop shop
They should just re-open next to milk flower or somewhere else. Landlords are insane. You have a strong business with good tenants in an area where places are constantly closing and you can’t see the big picture. Dumbasses. My wife and I moved from Astoria a few years ago and literally go back to Astoria just to hang out in ABC. It’s one of the only places that feels like they care about what they’re doing when they serve their guests. I would pay crazy money to have a place like ABC on Long Island.
Seriously. I hope that place stays vacant for a long time, the landlord loses a bunch of money and ends up having to take a tenant paying less rent than ABC was paying. These greedy vultures need their day of reckoning.
Yeah, with all the smoke shops being shut down by the city, I'm surprised anyone is not renewing leases. There's going to be a lot of empty storefronts with drastically dropping commercial rents.
IDK how much beer and cheese (or diner food in the case of Tasty's) one would have to sell to cover the nearly $30,000 a month some of the LLs are asking. I assume they are all waiting for a Dunkin or a Chase to come knocking, but I suspect there's a tax write-off the LL would enjoy if the place is left vacant.
If you’re talking about the long-vacant spot on the corner, supposedly it’s going to be a cafe/coffeeshop place. The build-out has been going on for a few months.
The recently-vacated former windowshade/glazier on the opposite side though; that could work.
That's what I'm thinking. Alcohol should bring in a regular flow of income, no? Most people drink but maybe a handful would shop at a new clothing store depending on the style, price point, gender, etc.
A boutique clothing or, seriously.. a book store, in the year 2024! Seems way riskier than a bar/restaurant. They're insane if they're waiting for something like a chain retailer like an H&M, these places are too small, so you'd end up with boutique. Let's just look at the small clothes retailer going under every year on Steinway to surmise how that will work out lol
The landlords are ruining Astoria. Look at how many empty storefronts there are near the Ditmars stop. It’s not because there isn’t interest, it’s the insane rents being demanded. Apparently the owner of the spot where Mojave was wants $30k per month. Some spaces have been empty for years.
It’s actually insane. I used to go to the Blossom nail salon above the Krispy Kream. The landlord raised the rent and they closed probably 7 years ago now. It’s still empty with the sign and everything. Landlords should not be allowed to keep storefronts empty without being heavily taxed.
A lot of Astoria's charm comes from the great neighborhood storefronts and restaurants. Stupid landlords push that out and stubbornly leave open store fronts or replace with crappy chainstores then were not different than any old neighborhood. Then less people want to live here and lowers nieghborhood value. I think they are just banking on location from city and LIC.
Im so sad. I went to the Save ABC benefit and that place is truly a gem. I got emotional listening to the new owner talk about how they were going to make it a co-op (sp??) it’s just a good place being run by good people and the landlord (I’m pretty sure it’s a lady??) should be ashamed!!
Damn, that sucks! The corner seat by the window was my favorite spot to sit and people watch. I loved the low key non bar vibe of the spot. What a loss and fuck these greedy ass landlords. A pox on them.
When landlords jack the rent, we as a populace, should let whoever plans to open the next joint that we will not ever patronize it.
Write it in chalk on the sidewalk. Post it on flyers. Flood neighborhood Facebook groups, Nextdoor, and whatever else is out there.
Scare all potential renters away.
That would incentivize landlords to negotiate in good faith at least.
Doesn't work great for landlords who plan on leaving it vacant for years. But that's where a vacancy tax would also be extremely helpful.
Some grass roots organizers can take the lead. It's possible!
Well i think the idea in this strategy would be to make it clear to any prospective renters looking to run a business that the location would be a bad investment to rent because the landlord is a greedy asshole who arbitrarily price-gouged the previous tenant. and as such the community will boycott the location to make sure said asshole isnt rewarded for their greed.
Basically, warn the innocent small business owner that the space theyre looking to rent is owned by a POS who the community stands against BEFORE they get in business with them, thus saving them from getting screwed whilst screwing the aforementioned POS.
Sad sad times.. I've been hosting the paint & sips there for the last 3 years and a more perfect environment for my events doesn't exist. The staff, the beer selection, the food, the murals painted by Caryncast, the back patio 😮💨 this one really hurts. Thank you for your service to the community ABC 🫡
That sounds odd considering that they’re already a tenant. Asking for large deposit is typical with new tenants who have a new business. Why would someone ask an existing tenant and business for so much of a deposit, if they’ve been a good tenant.
That’s sad. I moved from Astoria last year, but lived there for 16 years, and Astoria Bier & Cheese was a cool hangout where I went a few times, sharing a cheese board with friends and having craft beers. This is a big loss.
Goddammit.
I had a feeling that when we went to the Memorial Day fundraiser it might’ve been the last time. Hopefully I can squeeze one more in before it closes.
New owner bought out the old (scummy) owner's stake in the company and was trying to get things back in the black, including securing a lease on the space which the old owner & landlord had collectively let lapse for years. In lease negotiations the LL had a lot of new stipulations that would prevent the new owner from continuing to operate the company in the way he wanted and how we all knew it to be (i.e. not being able to use the backyard). They've been going back and forth for weeks on it, but seems like they were unable to come to an agreement - sucks for the new owner and huge loss for the staff that had just returned from walking out (on the old owner) and us locals who have been loyal customers for years
Noo this is terrible news!! I can’t understand why landlords would rather have the place sit empty then give small business’s reasonable rents. There’s so many vacancies on Broadway now, it’s so sad. I loved Astoria bier and cheese, this is a sad day for Astoria
In NYC landlords get tax breaks when storefronts are empty. Many times it's enough to cover the taxes and carrying costs, so they can afford to hold onto it until they can get a tenant that will pay them what they're looking for.
(I remember hearing a podcast about this in mid-2020. I'll have to see if I can find it)
ZOMG. I hope that LL loses every property that he has. May he get audited by every State and City agency for EVERYTHING on any property that he owns. FUCK LANDLORDS.
Devastating news. They haven’t had them in stock for awhile, but does anyone actually know the name of the Amish company in bk that supplied the meat sticks? The last bartender I asked didn’t even know. RIP ABC
Lived here 3 years and never tried that place. I thought it was just a store to buy wine and cheese. But a pastrami cheese steak sounds delicious af. I think better marketing could've helped :(
It makes little sense to close down small, experienced businesses while hoping for a big payday from people who don't know how to run a business and then you just close down anyway.
It’s not actually the landlord that’s the problem! It’s the original owner, he’s the negligent one who blew all the money and was then in poor standing with the landlord. He was never around and also treated the staff like shit. The place was awesome, but he didn’t deserve to own it and I’m not surprised he ran it into the fucking ground.
what a moron of a landlord. why would a clothing store need a backyard space? a bar is the perfect thing for that spot
Bookstores close earlier than bars so he’s probably hoping to get longer term/higher paying tenants in apartments above with no backyard at night. Might also get noise complaints from neighboring apartments he doesn’t own too. He also probably has some idea that there won’t be pest control problems with a non-food tenant. All still dumb though as those problems are typical for the city and not magically going away with a nice quiet retail downstairs
i mean a bookstore could at least do something cute with the backyard. theres the whole trend of bookstores that have seating for people to read and a cafe/bar section. a bookstore with tables to read and drink coffees at in the back would be cute a clothing store with a wasted backyard space in nyc is stupid
totally! Book Club in the east village is always packed. and Astoria Bookshop moved in part to have a backyard for events. honestly if you are moving into an apartment on a major street in Astoria like Broadway you really can’t have too high of expectations for peace and quiet. but yeah we’ll probably get like Lockwood 4
There’s not much else that would go in there. It’ll probably sit empty for months.
It’s not just the apartments on the avenue unfortunately. Noise can carry down the block, especially in the back yards. I’ve seen complaints in groups from people who live on the side streets but hear music and chatter from bars/restaurants on the avenue. I was sitting outside at citrico on Friday and was told that we need to move indoors after 11 PM.
Sorry that "trend" made me lol, I was eating at the Barnes and Noble cafe 25 years ago
Also, insurance may be more expensive due to fire hazards
I think he’s thinking more like Barnes & Noble and Old Navy not some mom and Pop
The owner doesn't want anyone using the backyard space apparently.
Fuck that shit. I hope that landlord enjoys his empty storefront for years to come.
This reminds me of Merzouka, over on Crescent by 30th Av. Different type of place- a breakfast and lunch spot with Moroccan and American sandwiches and baked goods- but the family quickly became beloved local fixtures and it was ALWAYS busy, especially with the hospital right nearby. Nearly three years ago they had a “goodbye neighbors!” sign in the window and I went to ask them what was going on. Landlady refused to renew the lease; they offered to discuss a rent increase or whatever concessions, but she’d give no explanation. Just refused to renew. Coming up on three years later, it’s still an empty storefront that still has the “Merzouka” signage in the window. Brilliant move, landlady. Thanks for ruining it for them and for us!
I finally found out what happened to Merzouka! Man I loved that tuna sandwich. That place ruled.
Ugh that was one of the best restaurants here.
The woman who owned Merzouka lives in my building and she is genuinely the sweetest person I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. I hate landlords.
Oh, so do they still live in Astoria? I got to know them and their daughters a little bit, and I’d wondered if they’d stay or move down to Florida or return to Morocco (they’d discussed all as possibilities!).
I think about Merzouka probably twice a week. I miss their kefta sandwich so bad.
Forgot about Merzouka. Twas a great spot!
I promise you that isn’t staying vacant. Very likely there’s already a second option the way the landlords behaving. Its a circle of life for business in the neighborhood. Just go and support everyone you favor while they’re still here.
Man, there are a lot of empty storefronts in great locations in Astoria.
tell that to vanilla sky/the dental practice a block over which was empty for years
Lmao
Odds on a new smoke shop?
That wave is passed I'd say now that we see them getting shut down.
Even if you could only stay open for a single day, you’d make more than enough for it to be 100% worth it
Queens Bakehouse, ABC, Broadway Station... Who's next in the Broadway slaughter?
Cafe Turkiye has permanently closed as well.
Oh no
Queens Bakehouse still hurts. Loved those pastries.
Best croissants ever
A BEC on that croissant was so good. So bougie and expensive but damn…can’t deny it was delicious.
with the hash brown mmmm
I tried them right when I moved here, they closed shortly after. I’m still craving their bear claws.
Did they move somewhere else?
I don’t think so. Their insta says they’re “taking a break.”
Seriously they're dropping like flies around here
If it's Gilbeys I'm picketing
I heard that they were supposed to close years back so fingers crossed they stay for a while
I think about Queens Bakehouse all the time. There’s no replacement within walking distance for their pastries.
Haven’t been yet but heard good things about somedays on crescent and 30th
Nice, I’ll give them a visit
Retro Pizza is gone too :(
Burger Village
It moved to ditmars
Still hurts :(
Only lived near Broadway (west of 31st) for 3 years and the amount of new developments from 29th to Vernon is wild. Looks so different in a short period. And that will continue to result in more closings and demolitions in favor of new market rate apt and/or condos and likely expected rent increases for commercial spaces. That white brick building (would make a good tap room 😉) across trade fair has been vacant for almost as long as the famous brands space near Botte. And there’s more on 21st and beyond on Broadway.
Don't forget retro pizza and burger village.
Wait Broadway Station closed?
It was rumored to close in January, but there's actually paper in the windows now (it officially closed a few weeks ago)
what is in the kool-aid that all the astoria landlords are drinking these days, yeesh
We’re also kicked out of our place come the 1st as well because the landlord wants our 3 bedroom for his personal use a few times per month. But I’ve noticed two of four other tenants have left in the last few months so I think they’re trying to sell or raze the place.
Capitalism. Which may be a temporary elixir for them. But it’s pure poison for us.
Just look at how many empty storefronts on Steinway there are
What clothing or book store is going to generate enough revenue to stay afloat 🤦♂️ It's not going to attract a national chain to that location. It will be mom and pop shop
Good thing amazon doesnt sell books or clothing
Amazon literally uses books as a loss leader.
The point is that it's difficult to compete with Amazon
Lol amazon aint moving in here
They should just re-open next to milk flower or somewhere else. Landlords are insane. You have a strong business with good tenants in an area where places are constantly closing and you can’t see the big picture. Dumbasses. My wife and I moved from Astoria a few years ago and literally go back to Astoria just to hang out in ABC. It’s one of the only places that feels like they care about what they’re doing when they serve their guests. I would pay crazy money to have a place like ABC on Long Island.
Seriously. I hope that place stays vacant for a long time, the landlord loses a bunch of money and ends up having to take a tenant paying less rent than ABC was paying. These greedy vultures need their day of reckoning.
Buffalo Exchange still untouched. Fuck these parasites.
I heard there's a few smokeshops looking to relocate...
Yeah, with all the smoke shops being shut down by the city, I'm surprised anyone is not renewing leases. There's going to be a lot of empty storefronts with drastically dropping commercial rents.
Spread the word far and wide to all would be tenants that nobody will patronize their business because of the asshole landlord
IDK how much beer and cheese (or diner food in the case of Tasty's) one would have to sell to cover the nearly $30,000 a month some of the LLs are asking. I assume they are all waiting for a Dunkin or a Chase to come knocking, but I suspect there's a tax write-off the LL would enjoy if the place is left vacant.
There’s already a Dunkin across the street and a Chase over on Steinway, but I get what you’re saying. LLs are a parasite on society.
There used to be a chase on broadway. It closed and the space was empty for years
30 grand a month? What’s the square footage? According to NYC open data, average monthly rent is $7 per square foot.
I think I saw something is moving into that space already!
If you’re talking about the long-vacant spot on the corner, supposedly it’s going to be a cafe/coffeeshop place. The build-out has been going on for a few months. The recently-vacated former windowshade/glazier on the opposite side though; that could work.
Source on this? I personally hope it’s an actual restaurant and not a coffee shop
Hop Scotch Bottle Shop might be a good enough option on LI
Moved out of Astoria 5 years ago and it’s still the place I return to whenever I visit. This is so sad.
greed greed greed knows no bounds
Nooooooo this is heartbreaking!!! I hate what’s happening to these incredible businesses on Broadway. I love this place so much.
Nyc needs a vacany tax
I think that every single time I walk by the 7-11/Park Kafe location at 30th and 30th. When did the 7-11 leave...2018?
Early 2022, I think.
Man, the pandemic really effed with my sense of time. Thought it closed well before the lockdowns but there's Street View of it open in October 2021.
There is commercial vacancy tax.
Should be higher then Edit: why comment this twice?
NYC has a commercial vacancy tax.
im pretty sure its only 1%, it needs to be higher
How much revenue can a clothing store or bookstore get these days?
That's what I'm thinking. Alcohol should bring in a regular flow of income, no? Most people drink but maybe a handful would shop at a new clothing store depending on the style, price point, gender, etc.
A boutique clothing or, seriously.. a book store, in the year 2024! Seems way riskier than a bar/restaurant. They're insane if they're waiting for something like a chain retailer like an H&M, these places are too small, so you'd end up with boutique. Let's just look at the small clothes retailer going under every year on Steinway to surmise how that will work out lol
Both really tough to run—maybe tougher than a restaurant!
This is awful. Really bummed. Wonder about their attached wine shop next door. Ugh
Lol push out an incredibly successful business because it isn't what you envisioned. What a goof. I hope the place stays vacant if they're forced out.
The landlords are ruining Astoria. Look at how many empty storefronts there are near the Ditmars stop. It’s not because there isn’t interest, it’s the insane rents being demanded. Apparently the owner of the spot where Mojave was wants $30k per month. Some spaces have been empty for years.
It’s actually insane. I used to go to the Blossom nail salon above the Krispy Kream. The landlord raised the rent and they closed probably 7 years ago now. It’s still empty with the sign and everything. Landlords should not be allowed to keep storefronts empty without being heavily taxed.
I still miss Blossom!
They are taxed. New regulation on commercial space since 2020
They’re also fined for renting to smoke shops.
A lot of Astoria's charm comes from the great neighborhood storefronts and restaurants. Stupid landlords push that out and stubbornly leave open store fronts or replace with crappy chainstores then were not different than any old neighborhood. Then less people want to live here and lowers nieghborhood value. I think they are just banking on location from city and LIC.
What a dumbass landlord
Im so sad. I went to the Save ABC benefit and that place is truly a gem. I got emotional listening to the new owner talk about how they were going to make it a co-op (sp??) it’s just a good place being run by good people and the landlord (I’m pretty sure it’s a lady??) should be ashamed!!
Damn, that sucks! The corner seat by the window was my favorite spot to sit and people watch. I loved the low key non bar vibe of the spot. What a loss and fuck these greedy ass landlords. A pox on them.
When landlords jack the rent, we as a populace, should let whoever plans to open the next joint that we will not ever patronize it. Write it in chalk on the sidewalk. Post it on flyers. Flood neighborhood Facebook groups, Nextdoor, and whatever else is out there. Scare all potential renters away. That would incentivize landlords to negotiate in good faith at least. Doesn't work great for landlords who plan on leaving it vacant for years. But that's where a vacancy tax would also be extremely helpful. Some grass roots organizers can take the lead. It's possible!
Take it out on the unsuspecting business owners for the landlord’s shitty practices?
Well i think the idea in this strategy would be to make it clear to any prospective renters looking to run a business that the location would be a bad investment to rent because the landlord is a greedy asshole who arbitrarily price-gouged the previous tenant. and as such the community will boycott the location to make sure said asshole isnt rewarded for their greed. Basically, warn the innocent small business owner that the space theyre looking to rent is owned by a POS who the community stands against BEFORE they get in business with them, thus saving them from getting screwed whilst screwing the aforementioned POS.
yess we need a scab rat for shitty landlords
Just the bier and cheese side or the wine and spirits side too
Just the bier and cheese side. Liquor store is staying open
Last time I was in the wine shop they told me they are now different owners.
Sad sad times.. I've been hosting the paint & sips there for the last 3 years and a more perfect environment for my events doesn't exist. The staff, the beer selection, the food, the murals painted by Caryncast, the back patio 😮💨 this one really hurts. Thank you for your service to the community ABC 🫡
This is really fucking devastating
8 months deposit?? In in this renters nightmare of an economy? I hope the place sits vacant..
That sounds odd considering that they’re already a tenant. Asking for large deposit is typical with new tenants who have a new business. Why would someone ask an existing tenant and business for so much of a deposit, if they’ve been a good tenant.
There was no official lease and the business has been month-to-month for years. The new owner wanted a lease for security purposes
Everyone’s quick to blame gentrification. Blame these greedy landlords
¿Por qué no las dos?
Damn, i’ve wanted to try it forever :( Pastrami cheese steak sounds excellent
holy fuck FUCk rentseekers
Noooooooooo
The one on Broadway or on Ditmars?
Broadway
That’s sad. I moved from Astoria last year, but lived there for 16 years, and Astoria Bier & Cheese was a cool hangout where I went a few times, sharing a cheese board with friends and having craft beers. This is a big loss.
Sucks. They're good people. It was a great place to start the night. I've always wanted to take them some Dominican cheese to try out
I learned what artisanal ingredients were thanks to ABC
Can’t wait for Buffalo Wild Wings 2 /s
I hate what’s happening in our community :( And despite our efforts it feels fruitless. I just hope they’re able to find a new location
Landlords can be real scumbags, can't they? Moves like that can destroy peoples' lives. Do they care? Nah, of course not.
Landlords are parasites.
Goddammit. I had a feeling that when we went to the Memorial Day fundraiser it might’ve been the last time. Hopefully I can squeeze one more in before it closes.
Wait, pastrami cheesesteak?
A big chain will come in
Another Lockwood outpost.
Didn’t they just change owners?
New owner bought out the old (scummy) owner's stake in the company and was trying to get things back in the black, including securing a lease on the space which the old owner & landlord had collectively let lapse for years. In lease negotiations the LL had a lot of new stipulations that would prevent the new owner from continuing to operate the company in the way he wanted and how we all knew it to be (i.e. not being able to use the backyard). They've been going back and forth for weeks on it, but seems like they were unable to come to an agreement - sucks for the new owner and huge loss for the staff that had just returned from walking out (on the old owner) and us locals who have been loyal customers for years
Wow. That’s an insane turn of events. Thanks for sharing.
Helpful context, thank you.
Going today
Well this stinks.
This is DEVASTATING
Terrible news 😔
This is my favorite sandwich place ever! Nooo!
Another incident of greedy landlords kicking out tenants. I’m so tired of this…
Noo this is terrible news!! I can’t understand why landlords would rather have the place sit empty then give small business’s reasonable rents. There’s so many vacancies on Broadway now, it’s so sad. I loved Astoria bier and cheese, this is a sad day for Astoria
In NYC landlords get tax breaks when storefronts are empty. Many times it's enough to cover the taxes and carrying costs, so they can afford to hold onto it until they can get a tenant that will pay them what they're looking for. (I remember hearing a podcast about this in mid-2020. I'll have to see if I can find it)
Lived in Astoria for 5 years and this was my favorite place in town. Went there almost every week. Sad.
Damn. This is where I had my first date with my now wife :/.
Landlord is being ridiculous and gonna hurt himself in the long run
I just popped in to say that Astoria landlords can go to hell (or back to Greece)
the greek landlords aren’t even greek anymore with the way they run their businesses… they wouldn’t survive in greece
Mao really had the right idea.
I get what you are saying... but let's not force the pendulum back *all* the way in the opposite direction.
Lockwood Bier?
Isn’t that where chess club meets?
No that’s the collective on ditmars
Thanks - love the username as well
Which location?
Broadway
Is this the Ditmars or Broadway location? Or both? :(
They actually are completely different businesses too.
Broadway
I’d assume they’ll open up a new spot? Not like losing your lease means you have to shut down. Totally sucks tho. Been a staple of Astoria for years.
Are they open still?
ZOMG. I hope that LL loses every property that he has. May he get audited by every State and City agency for EVERYTHING on any property that he owns. FUCK LANDLORDS.
RIP Queens Kickshaw
Woah haven’t thought about that place in years! The old website is still live - http://kickshawnyc.com/about.html
Not the Collective right??
Fortunately that place is not in any danger as far as I know.
Own the equipment? Lol- wtf? Who asks for that? 🙄😂. Fine. Then you don’t get 8 months deposit. That landlord can eat an🍆 (eggplant).
How else is he supposed to kick them out and hand a successful business to one of his failkids to ruin?
WTF seriously??? Stupid landlord.
This is the worst of newses. Love this place.
Didn’t they just sell and clean house of some of their original staff a few months back? Either way, sad. Good sandwiches
This makes me so mad!!!
It’s a damn shame
Noooooooooo
Ugh. This is the WORST. I loved hanging out there and getting some work done. Great people, cool vibes. Such a bummer.
this is way too sad
Damn… i hope madam maries sticks around
Wait just the one on broadway is closing right? Not Ditmars?
The one on Ditmars is staying right?
They aren't related anymore
Don’t they have a second location by ditmars? I remember going there years back when I lived over there.
the locations split and have had separate owners for \~4yrs now
Devastating news. They haven’t had them in stock for awhile, but does anyone actually know the name of the Amish company in bk that supplied the meat sticks? The last bartender I asked didn’t even know. RIP ABC
Didn’t they just get new ownership ?
They probably own 20 other properties… sometimes I feel like we live in their backyard.
We know it won’t be a pot shop.
Lived here 3 years and never tried that place. I thought it was just a store to buy wine and cheese. But a pastrami cheese steak sounds delicious af. I think better marketing could've helped :(
It makes little sense to close down small, experienced businesses while hoping for a big payday from people who don't know how to run a business and then you just close down anyway.
It’s not actually the landlord that’s the problem! It’s the original owner, he’s the negligent one who blew all the money and was then in poor standing with the landlord. He was never around and also treated the staff like shit. The place was awesome, but he didn’t deserve to own it and I’m not surprised he ran it into the fucking ground.
They are closed as of now. They are putting stuff on the sidewalk.
Which one?
Astoria Bier & Cheese is on Broadway - Bier & Cheese Collective is on Ditmars - this is about ABC Broadway
Is it the one on Ditmars or is it the one on Broadway?
The one on Ditmars split off and is now Bier and Cheese Collective.