Just yesterday, we reported on a new sandwich shop to open in early 2011 on Baltic and Henry Streets. Then today, I walked by the shuttered Cafe Ribant (formerly Cafe Mei Mei at 231 Court St.), to find a sign on the storefront window announcing the Van Horn Sandwich Shop. The gentleman outside told me the owners hail from North Carolina and hope to open early next month. And though there will certainly be sandwiches, it will be more of a cafe with BBQ, fried chicken and other specialties from the South. The plan is to open for lunch and dinner, pouring beer and wine, then graduating to cocktails in a few months. More to come when we get it.
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Posts tagged ‘closings’
Welcome to BK Shake Shack
Well, I didn’t see that coming. Shake Shack, Danny Meyer’s prolific chain is rumoured to be taking over the lease from Tony’s Famous Pizzeria in Downtown Brooklyn come 2011, according to the Daily News. Restaurateur Meyer, who opened the burger joint as a literal shack in Madison Square Park (where I stopped many times during my first pregnancy for the ridiculous cheese fries), soon realized the power of upscale fast food and created satellites in high traffic areas like the Upper West Side and the new Citifield. So, lurking behind Borough Hall on the corner of Fulton and Adams, another Manhattan big hitter will be overpowering an old time Brooklyn mainstay. What say you? Awesome to have access to Flat-Top Dogs and frozen custard Concretes–or sad another little guy is losing his space (though sources do say Tony’s has been offered another, less prominent space in the mall).
Coney Island is Movin’ On Up
After checking out Coney Island’s new Luna Park amusement area this summer, it was pretty clear that operators Zamperla USA meant business. Now, in addition to a whole new look and feel to the rides, the company is also looking to gentrify the boardwalk–and has asked nine longtime businesses to pack their bags by 15 November. According to the NY Post,
Only three mainstays will remain, mingling with new tenants like a sit-down restaurant and a sports bar. Out are beachfront bastions like Ruby’s Bar and Grill, Shoot the Freak, Cha Cha’s Bar, Gregory & Paul’s, Grill House, Coney Island Souvenirs and Gyro Corner, as well as newer concessions like Beer Island and the Pio Pio Riko Peruvian food stand. The surviving businesses are a boardwalk satellite of Nathan’s Famous, The Beach Shop and the Lola Staar Souvenir Boutique.
Looks like nostalgia’s getting traded in for some fancy digs. Does that mean they’re going to clean up the beach too? If I’m paying $8 for a beer, I’d like to know the cigarette butts and hunks of broken glass aren’t on full display in the sand. What do you think? Psyched or fuming? And more importantly, do you think they can pull it off?
Fun Make-Up Shop in Ola Baby Space
We recently reported on the demise of upscale baby haven, Ola Baby and checked in today on the new beauty shop that took over the space about two weeks ago. Called Shen Beauty, located at 315 Court St., the shop is one of those places you can get lost in. Try, 
just try to pop in for five minutes. I dare you. With make-up and beauty lines like Australian style-maker Jemma Kidd and her fabulously light foundations, Madame Lubatti skin care and lotions, Alexa Rudolfo candles, as well as a whole area devoted to kids (think soaps, lip balms, nail polish), it’s fun for everyone to browse. I especially loved the thoughtfully decorative shower caps (below) and the bath salt bar. What great gift ideas! The owner mentioned that she will also be doing custom goody bags for kids parties if you’re interested, so go by and check it all out. And leave some extra time, I promise, you won’t want to leave.
Openings and Closings About Town
Hope everyone enjoyed the Antic yesterday. We had a blast–though I’ll be back on my diet today. Got a few comings and goings on Atlantic for you. Firstly, seems the window dressing of stark white paper at Casa Tua at 145 Atlantic is not an indication of another facelift for the fated Italian non-starter. Though the website is still active, you won’t get far if you try to see a menu or order. We didn’t see many people in there so it’s not too much of a surprise. However, we will be getting another
nail salon in the hood! Signage at 149 Atlantic screams intentions to add to the mani/pedi market. Now can someone open one on Henry Street please so I don’t have to walk so far to get my fix? Lastly, Joey Westcott left a response on our post about the new Italian breakout, Brucie at 234 Court St., with a link to the menu at the website. Two words for you, “savory pastry.” ‘Nuff said.
Ultimate Burgers & Dogs is No More
The sign may say open, but after walking by the adorable and yummy burger joint Ultimate Burgers & Dogs on Degraw between Clinton and Court, and poking my head in–I was told it is no more. The woman I spoke with was cleaning up the darkened space and didn’t have any idea why it closed, but we’ll miss the burgers, mac & cheese and crispy onion rings they did so well. Got the 411 on why the grill is cold? Let us know.
Farewell Ola Baby
I’ve spent quite a bit of time and money at Ola Baby on Court Street, so I couldn’t contain my surprise when we walked by and saw the place gutted and the signage removed. Brownstoner reports it will soon open as a cosmetic store. But is this is the first upscale baby store to close in the neighborhood? I guess the market is starting to get a little crowded with Pizzazz Kids just a few doors down, all the Area stores, Green Onion and Mini Max Toys & Cuts nearby. What’s your favorite store for kiddie gear?
Brucie…Coming Soon
Remember Cube 63, that odd, fairly upscale sushi place on Court Street between Baltic and Kane? It’s been shuttered for a few months (though there is another one on the lower east side) due, I assume, to lack of a repeat audience. But yesterday, I saw this sign on the window (left) and witnessed a bunch of young-ish, happy folk sitting around a table in a nice, tan-looking space. Brucie, which according to Brownstoner, will be an “Italian market and restaurant,” looks set to open doors any minute. Always happy to have another joint to eat meatballs. Will try to get more info on exact opening and what we can expect.
Seaport Flowers Comes to Henry Street
Seaport Flowers, a Brooklyn Heights staple, is moving shop to Abitare’s old space on Henry Street between State and Atlantic. The beloved store on Hicks Street closed on 20 August after 23 years of business and owners have been working frantically to get ready for a soft opening tomorrow. As well as stunning flower arrangements and accessories, you can expect the store to carry a small, special collection of plants and containers and one of a kind vintage pieces–thanks to the new space’s backyard. “The new location is wonderful since it sits in between Brooklyn Heights and Cobble Hill/ Carroll Gardens. Leaving the neighborhood was never an option, I LOVE it here. When the space on Henry Street became available allowing us to stay in the Heights and have a back yard, the choice was clear,” says owner Amy Gardella. Stop in and say hello if you get a minute and look for a grand opening TBA sometime in October.
Good Ice Cream, Bad Landlords
Now that Blue Marble ice cream has started taking over Bococa, with a new store on Court Street and carts at Pier 1 and Pier 6, it’s hard to believe the organic treat’s flagship store is closing down. But, according to the NY Post, shutting its doors for good it is–now that the landlord has asked for almost double the rent (I’ve been there before with some particularly unsavory landlords in Brooklyn).
Alexis Miesen, co-founder of Blue Marble Ice Cream, said today that the chain’s first-ever store at 420 Atlantic Avenue is closing at the end of October after three years in business because the building’s landlord “reneged” on a lease-extension agreement. She said landlord Manuel Fernandez is jacking up rent for the 900-square-foot storefront to $3,500 monthly — double the “square-foot price” of “comparable properties in the neighborhood.” She declined to say what she’s currently paying.
The store was much larger–with more flavors to choose from and a small area for kids to play–so we’ll miss it for sure. Though we all know how much I heart Barney’s, I may have to accept that the arrival of stores of its ilk is pumping up rent for the little guys.
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