Yes, people are forever complaining about disappearing businesses and institutions in New York City and for the most part, I think it’s just the way New York has always worked. But when you look at these places listed here, combined, it’s a drag, no question. There are lots of forces at play that made these joints close up or move, but sentiment is not one of them. Bottom line, NYC is about money and business –it’s not a museum to the past or your fixed idea of what New York is. Plus, a lot more besides these 14 have shuttered. Next up in 2015? – more closings no doubt, to make way for new, but not necessarily better.
Shakesspeare & Co. – This book store served NYU for 30 years. now only the UES location remains
Gray’s Papaya – this location closed after a rent hike. One Gray’s Papaya left on Bway & 72nd
The Subway Inn – opened 1937, it has relocated to 2nd Ave (taking the sign too, I hope)
Bowlmor Lanes – this location closed after 76 years but the chain thrives across the country
Domino Sugar Factory – demolished to make way for mixed used towers
Pearl Paint – the chain is closing and this location may turn into, what else? – luxury condos
Café Edison – this Times Sq institution failed to have their lease renewed by The Edison Hotel
5 Pointz – demolished to make way for two new apartment towers
Yaffa Café – open for 32 years before being closed because of complaints from neighbors about the noisy backyard
Famous Oyster Bar – midtown fixture for 55 years until they were priced out of the space
Kim’s Video & Music – rent raised by landlord, but video stores are virtually obsolete anywhere
Barnes & Noble – There’s a huge B&N just around the corner on Union Square. This location opened in 1932
Rizzoli – demolished to make room for a 7-star hotel, it moved to the St. James Building on 26th St.
(via BuzzFeed and Vanishing New York)