The intimate little eatery garnered much praise throughout its 16 year run, earning a rating of 28 out of 30 for food in the 2004 Zagat Survey for New York City.
Many were therefore surprised when, in 2015, owners and chefs Sharon Pachter and Charles Kiely decided to close their restaurant to take a step back and to decided what to do next. At the time, Pachter told the New York Times, that the decision had been difficult to make, but that they were exhausted. Long days and nights in the restaurant had taken their toll. "We love what we do. We just have to find a more humane and civilized way to do it, ” Pachter was cited in the Times.
For the last year, Pachter and Kiely have hosted special dinner events, wine tastings and private parties in the storefront. However, a "For Rent" sign which has recently been attached to the gate, obviously indicates that both have decided it is time to embark on new (a)ventures.
Since the couple owns the building, one hopes that Pachter and Kiely will continue to be a presence in the neighborhood and may, perhaps, one day, re-open their eatery.
News businesses just don't seam to have the stamina of the old family businesses. I certainly makes you respect places like the bakeries and coffee store that make this neighborhood hang together.
ReplyDeleteA 16 year run is incredibly long for any small business, and the fact that the two chefs are married would qualify this as a family business, so I don't know why Anonymous has no respect for Sharon and Charles. They are fantastic people, deeply caring and great at what they do. My wife and I and many neighborhood friends have had many excellent meals at The Grocery and are very sad to see it go.
ReplyDeleteMany of the "old family businesses" have as much stamina as they have cheap rent - they probably own their buildings (and actually I think Sharon and Charles do, they just wanted a change of pace. Running a restaurant of such high caliber is a grind).
It was a great restaurant. Definitely missed.
ReplyDeleteIt was an amazing restaurant - Sharon and Charles knocked it out of the park each and every evening. We miss it a lot, and have precious memories of superb (and compelling) meals there.
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