A rash of restaurant closures are marking this summer’s dining landscape. So far there are 11 with more just recently announced. For the first time since the announcement of the one-year-old Kantina Kita closing in Nyack, Rockland County has joined the fray with notice of a five-year-old Mexican spot and a six-year-old Irish pub.
On the plus side, with some closures, there are already notices about what’s coming next. That includes three new “Mama” concepts in Yonkers (a burger, sushi and Latin-inspired place) and a farm-driven cafe in Chappaqua. Details follow.
Food closures in Rockland
Sangria’s, Nanuet
After five years in Nanuet, Sangria’s is closing. The announcement was made on the Mexican restaurant’s Facebook page saying its last day will be Aug. 3. Their Congers eatery, however, is not affected and remains open. 416 Market St., 845- 237-5587, sangriasny.com.
Uncle Tommy’s Tavern, Pearl River
Rent issues seem to be the catalyst for Uncle Tommy’s which announced its closure July 15 on Facebook. “Up until the very last minute we tried to negotiate with the new owners of the building. It was impossible,” reads the post. “We even had a buyer for the business, but the landlords would not negotiate a lease or should I say were ‘unavailable’ to meet.” The owners thanked their many customers, musicians, resident DJ and more for all the memories. The Irish restaurant had been in Pearl River six years. 33 W. Central Ave.
As a reminder
Food closures in Westchester
Green & Tonic, Chappaqua
Green & Tonic closed on June 26. According to CEO Fausto Mieres, the company, which still has locations in Rye Brook, and Fairfield County, Conn., remains “deeply committed” to serving the area and is continuing to invest in the brand, including new menu innovations, store enhancements and community events.
“We’re grateful to our Chappaqua guests and appreciate their support over the years,” he said. In its place and set to open in early September: a satellite location for The Farm Cafe, a Valhalla-based breakfast and lunch spot known for its pastries, sandwiches, salads and coffee. This location, which also features a variety of gluten-free items, will be smaller but still feature baked goods, coffee and a limited menu. 75 S. Greeley Ave., thefarmcafeny.com.
Taiim Falafel Shack, Hastings-on-Hudson
Taiim Falafel Shack, which had been a fixture in Hastings since 2010, has closed. The phone is disconnected and though there’s no official word on their website, the eatery is locked and empty. 598 Warburton Ave., taiimny.com.
Fiamma, Ardsley
This 20-seat eatery, with the motto “Life is beautiful so get a slice,” on its wall, closed a few weeks ago. The restaurant, which had been in business since August 2024, featured a variety of square slice pizzas as well as small bites such as mozzarella sticks, stuffed zucchini blossom and meatballs. It also featured espresso and gelato. No word from the owner for the reason. 473 Ashford Ave., 929-719-1642, fiammaardsley.com.
Boxing Day Cafe, Dobbs Ferry
Boxing Day, the coffee shop within the co-working space known as HudCo is leaving this space July 24. In its place will be Eyes Closed Coffee, which should open sometime in August. 145 Palisade St., Suite 200, hudco.co.
Boxing Day meanwhile is being rebranded as Aussies and will move to the former Wild Culture spot at 579 Warburton Ave. in Hastings-on-Hudson. The new concept cafe, set to open in early September, will feature the same innovative drinks (along with some new ones) in addition to an all-day breakfast food menu.
Smashburger, Mamaroneck
Sad news for burger lovers. The fast casual chain, which had been on Mamaroneck Avenue since 2012, closed earlier this spring. 448 Mamaroneck Ave., smashburger.com.
Birdsall House, Peekskill
Birdsall, long a home for craft beer lovers as well as live music afficionados, is closing July 26. In a statement, owner John Sharp said “the economics no longer work.” This, after watching Peekskill grow, weathering recessions, surviving the pandemic, and adapting to “every challenge that came our way.”
“Independent restaurants operate on thin margins,” he said in a statement. “When rent escalates 7% every year while major building costs continue shifting onto the operator, the business eventually reaches a point where continuing is longer responsible or sustainable. That is the reality behind this decision.” 970 Main St., 914-930-1880, birdsallhouse.net.
One Pier Steakhouse, Yonkers
As previously reported, owner Jimmy Rugova sold this property along with Taque Rio and Urge Burger, his other two waterfront restaurants July 8, saying it was time to move on. Mamajuana Cafe, which has multiple locations and is known for its traditional Dominican and Latin-infused dishes, innovative sushi rolls and inventive cocktails, will be moving in. The restaurant will also have three concepts to replace Rugova’s three. Look for Mama Burger coming to the Urge Burger space sometime later this summer with Mamasushi in the former TaqueRio space.
This the first time the business, which started in the Bronx almost 20 years ago, will have a burger spot under the Mama umbrella. Also worth nothing: Mamajuana Cafe is slightly different than Mamajuana Cafe Prime, which has a location in Hartsdale. Though similar in menu and vibe, they have different food options and owners. (The Hartsdale spot is not affected or involved in this venture.) 1 Van Der Donck St., mamajuanacafebronx.com.
Know of an opening or closing?
Email JRMuchnick@gannett.com with details of openings or closings near you (as inevitably I miss some). And, if you want more intel on Lower Hudson Valley dining and entertainment, sign up for my free weekly newsletter, which often includes behind-the-scenes info I don’t always share in my stories at profile.lohud.com/newsletters/manage.
Jeanne Muchnick covers food and dining. Click here for her most recent articles and follow her latest dining adventures on Instagram @jeannemuchnick or via the lohudfood newsletter.
This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: This summer, there’s a rise of food closures in Westchester, Rockland
Reporting by Jeanne Muchnick, Rockland/Westchester Journal News / Rockland/Westchester Journal News
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By Jeanne Muchnick, Rockland/Westchester Journal News | USA TODAY Network
