Neighborhood empty storefronts

[JHICON]

So, the FYE is closed, and instead of it becoming something interesting there building a another clothes place or like it says on the sign "Ropa Fina" Fine clothing... eghh...

(moderator note: merged from separate thread)

[Greentea822]

and the funny thing is that Dosa palace (73rd just north of 37th ave) is open again - Dosa Place (or visa versa, but you get the point).  the sweet shop next door also looks close to re-opening, but that too just got refurbished; looks like the same stuff inside.

I still wish we had a nice fresh fish market. 

[toddg]

After being closed for several months after failing a health inspection, the name has finally been removed from the front of Fiesta Mexicana at 75-02 Roosevelt Ave.  So at long last, this place is officially gone.

A moment of silence, please, for the passing of a short-lived gem.




Thank you.  Fiesta Mexicana was excellent, for a couple of months after it opened.  It served an upscale style of Mexican cuisine, and had sharp flavors and fresh ingredients.  For a while, a sign on its window bragged that they served the "Best Posole in Town!" and if you tasted it, it was easy to believe.  But then the chef left (later to resurface in Astoria), and the restaurant went into a sad decline.

On the positive side, we now have an attractive and prominent restaurant space available across the street from the subway station.  It's a perfect location for an exciting newcomer.  French Bistro, anyone?

[Chuckster]

On the positive side, we now have an attractive and prominent restaurant space available across the street from the subway station.  It's a perfect location for an exciting newcomer.  French Bistro, anyone?

Todd, do you really think a French bistro would fare well on Roosevelt Avenue?  That would be a change of pace!

[toddg]

Never having run a business or invested in one successfully, I can't pretend that I have any idea.  But a wide range of good restaurants are thriving to the west on Roosevelt, to the north on 74th, and to the south on Broadway and on 74th.  I don't know why the part of Roosevelt just east of the subway station is a dead zone for good restaurants, but I don't see why it has to be that way.  This particular corner is more visible and receives more foot traffic than virtually anywhere else, and should be able to support a crowd from breakfast until the wee hours.  A bistro or other midrange restaurant would definitely be a change of character for this intersection, but if done right I think it would certainly be supported by both residents and visitors alike.  If it serves food that is distinctive, then it will also receive a steady stream of customers via the subway, just like Sripraphai.

[Chuckster]

I agree that a restaurant like Sripraphai would do well on this corner, but then that wouldn't be all that distinctive from what else is nearby.  We already have a few Thai places in the neighborhood.  What separates Srip is the continued fanfare that it receives from many New Yorkers, not just Queens residents.  Generally speaking, people are willing to travel for good food, but would that apply to a square peg in a round hole?  That's how I would perceive a French bistro on Roosevelt.  At least for now that is.

Your scenario kind of reminds me of Limoncello, the Italian restaurant located south of Roosevelt in the 80s.  People seem to be surprised that there's an Italian restaurant in that part of the neighborhood.  I wonder if the locale affects the restaurant's business.

[toddg]

It looks like Tierras Colombianas at 82-18 Roosevelt has closed.  Big new restaurant space available!

[Chuckster]

Not sure if this has already been mentioned, but it appears that construction on the building adjacent to the Mark Twain Diner on Northern Blvd. has been completed...at least the facade.  It looks like a mixed use building that will probably have some office space available.  The color and design reminds me of some of the smaller office buildings that are found in Southern Florida.

[liam0925]

it appears that construction on the building adjacent to the Mark Twain Diner on Northern Blvd. has been completed...at least the facade.    The color and design reminds me of some of the smaller office buildings that are found in Southern Florida.

I drove passed it this afternoon and dubbed it the Mustard House :2funny:

[JoeinQueens]

is Limoncello still around?

[liam0925]

is Limoncello still around?

Yes, I just called.  They answered and are opened for business.  Mangia bene.   

[liam0925]

I followed up on last week's call and actually went to Limoncello's for dinner this evening--they are very much  open and in business.  This was my second time there and like the first, it was great.  After a shared appetizer of calamari and an antipasto I had the Chicken Scarp, which is very tasty.  My friends had the skirt steak and a striped bass.  We thoroughly enjoyed the evening and recommend it to all.  Happily the rumor of its closing was just that, this place is very much open and worthy of a visit.  Mangia bene. 

[JHICON]

So, the other day i was walking around and i noticed since tierra's colombiana's closed they have already put up a new sign called tierras ricas (I guess it will be something like a bakery/restaurant, like SEBA SEBA) or something like that but the thing is, it's only half of what the original space of the restaurant use to be, the other half is up for sale. On another note Bank of America is looking good (even though there stock dropped today). Now to wonder is who is looking  to lease the KB Toy's space? Once they move. Is this the part where we all think of amazing stores that could open up?  and than we get heart broken by seeing some cheap tacky boutique with skanky clothes, maybe a vitamin shop, or maybe it can become the MEGA 99 cent Store the biggest one in Jackson Heights because you know how much we all love to shop there. lol.

[bs96]

Does anyone know what's in store for the now defunct Kay-Bee Toys location?

[toddg]

Hey bs96, welcome back! 

No idea.  It's very sad to see Kay-Bee go.  The store is closing not because the individual location was unsuccessful, but because the chain as a whole has filed for bankruptcy.  It's a great space and hopefully will attract something of value to the neighborhood, despite the weak economy.