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There has been a lot of news lately about some long-established restaurants being put out of business because of skyrocketing rents. This is happening to places as varied as 7A, el Sombrero, WD-50 and Union Square Cafe. Unfortunately this comes as no surprise to us here at
Angelica Kitchen. After a couple of very difficult years including a hurricane and a debilitating winter 2013-2014, Leslie - Angelica's owner - had to make the tough decision of either closing the restaurant after almost 40 years in business or signing a new lease skyrocketing the cost of occupancy. She signed the lease in March. Meanwhile the restaurant has introduced changes offering guests new choices and services - Iced & Hot Coffee (fair trade, organic of course), Beer & Wine (biodynamic and organic of course), an ATM in the vestibule, Kosher
certified, and hired a social media specialist to take us There. Yet, now more than ever, Angelica's is at risk of becoming a casualty of the business climate and real estate market that has led to the loss of so many other beloved NYC restaurants. Tragic, right? Well, this is our current reality. The increasing number of vacancies and For Rent signs point to how the indie businesses are being turned out due to economic pressures and being replaced by gentrified corporate interests - more banks anyone? - which strip the heart and soul from our home base. We small commercial tenants are being exiled by the very success we produced, while landlords reap the
rewards. What can you do? First and foremost, dine often with friends and family at Angelica's. Get takeout. Give Gift Certificates. Recommend us. Share our posts on social media, like us on
Facebook. The fact is, we need your financial help and we're not messing around here. Keeping Angelica's doors open is not something we can do without you! We will be holding "Kitchen Table Talks" in the coming weeks to discuss Angelica's situation and what is needed to prevent the non-stop proliferation of chain stores and banks in the East Village. Please come to our first "Talk" Sunday Sept. 21, 4:30 PM; appetizers and beverages will be served. In the meantime, thank you for being our customers, our community and great FOAKS - Friends of
Angelica Kitchen. We hope to see you soon!
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