It was a weekend of goodbyes at Cup & Saucer, the great old school luncheonette at 89 Canal St. As we first reported last week, the owners are shutting the classic spot at 89 Canal St. today due to a steep rent increase.
[UPDATE 10:57 a.m.: A reader let us know this morning that Cup & Saucer is now closed. Owner John Vasilopoulos said the food ran out during the weekend, as many people turned out to say their farewells.]
The restaurant has been under the same ownership for nearly 30 years and a place called Cup & Saucer had been in business at this location since the 1940s.
The New York Times picked up on the story today:
In March, (the owners) learned their $8,200 a month lease would increase by $7,600 per month. Attempts to negotiate with the landlord, 99 Canal Realty, failed, they said. “It would be nice if we stayed another five years, but it happens,” (co-owner John) Vasilopoulos said. “We’re not the first ones.” Two calls to 99 Canal Realty seeking comment were disconnected last week. As the news spread that the greasy spoon would be closing, the diner was inundated with well-wishers.
99 Canal Realty purchased the property in 2012. Building owner Ki Tai Yeung has declined to speak with any reporters since news of Cup & Saucer’s demise broke in the past few days. According to Department of Buildings records, a work permit for interior renovation was submitted back in May.
Alex M. Smith took these photos for our 2013 feature on the Lower east Side’s remaining classic diners. Three of the six diners profiled have now shuttered.
