Hanco's Moves From Bergen Street To New Location On Smith Street

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The old Hanco's on Bergen Stree

and the new Hanco's on Smith Street

When the first Hanco's opened its doors at 85 Bergen Street in 2005, it was the first Vietnamese sandwich and bubble tea shop in the neighborhood.  The small hole-in-the-wall eatery quickly became a favorite not only because of its prices, but because of its consistently fresh, delicious food.
The success of this first store lead owner Tang Hanco, who came to the United States from Vietnam and settled in Carroll Gardens in 1980, to open two additional shops, one in Brooklyn Heights and one in Park Slope.  Though the new sister shops are more upscale and offer a wider menu, they somehow lack the simple charm of the first Hanco's.  Many still preferred the slightly run down crammed spot on Bergen Street and claimed that the sandwiches were best at this location.
What might be considered bad news for all those who liked the original Hanco's, the mini-Bánh mì chainlet has closed down its original Bergen Street location about two weeks ago and will be relocating around the corner to Smith Street.  Work on the new space at 136 Smith Street near Dean Street has begun and the storefront already sports a new shiny sign.
And judging from the sign, the new interior will be very much in line with the Brooklyn Heights and Park Slope shops.

Personally, I will miss the old eatery.  Yes, it was crammed. Yes, it had only a few tables for eating in, but it had charm.  The new Hanco's are just a wee bit too generic looking.
What do you think?

Below, the interior of the Brooklyn Heights Hanco's