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Tribeca's Franklin Station Cafe to Close
By
John Del Signore
Published May 16, 2008
Modified May 16, 2008
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By
John Del Signore
Published May 16, 2008
Modified May 16, 2008
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Tribeca’s 15-year-old Franklin Station Café will close next month, and the Downtown Express has a nice, long goodbye (928 words!) to the neighborhood mainstay. The French and Malaysian bistro, located at the corner of West Broadway and Franklin across from the 1 train stop, was one of the few moderately-priced places left in the increasingly cost-prohibitive neighborhood, and had long been a favored hang-out for locals.
No surprises here, folks; the closure was brought on by an impending rent hike. Owner Mei Chau received a letter from the building’s management company announcing an increase to $20,000 a month, which the company stressed was non-negotiable.
I could probably pay it, but it would be too stressful. Our customers asked us to raise our prices so we can stay. When we opened we had so many artists — working artists — that was the trend at that time. A lot of artists moved out and the rich moved in. We still have our regulars, but it’s down.
Chau and her husband vetoed raising prices, insisting it wouldn’t be a bistro if it was unaffordable. Instead, the couple plans to use their downtime to compile a cookbook. But they’ll go out with a big party on June 10th from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m., featuring free food and drinks, a cooking show and music. [Via Eater.]
Photo courtesy Mocha Boy.
Tagged
bistro
close
closing
franklin
Franklin Station Cafe
french
malaysian
restaurant
tribeca
John Del Signore
Originally from the Albany area, John Del Signore has called NYC home since 1995. In addition to his thousands of meticulously-crafted bespoke blog posts for Gothamist, his writing has also been published in The Awl, Deadspin, The Nervous Breakdown, and performed at The Brick Theater in Brooklyn.
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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