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Gonzalez y Gonzalez Reopens, But Chipotle Won't Let It Serve "Chipotle" Food
By
Garth Johnston
Published Apr 24, 2012
Modified Apr 24, 2012
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By
Garth Johnston
Published Apr 24, 2012
Modified Apr 24, 2012
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In January, 2011, we were saddened to learn that Broadway staple Gonzalez y Gonzalez, once home to the city's longest bar (or so they say) as well as a giant illuminated sombrero sign outside 625 Broadway, had closed to be replaced by a Chipotle. But then something funny happened. Turns out Chipotle only wanted the Broadway side of the block-long space, so Gonzalez y Gonzalez got a second lease on life. Yay! But there is a giant, burrito-and-taco-shaped catch.
As DNAinfo reports, the new Gonzalez had to sign a very odd agreement with its landlord that insists they not serve any of the same items sold by Chipotle. "We cannot sell tacos, burritos or fajitas," laments co-owner Evan Cohen, who has worked at the restaurant fro more than two decades.
So instead, the recently reopened restaurant (the door is now on Mercer Street and the famous sombrero is inside instead of out) is offering "Mexico City-style street food" ranging from huraches to "Mexcan hot dogs wrapped in bacon" and tortas. They are, however, serving quesadillas—which Chipotle will serve to you even though they aren't on the menu. And it seems like there might be some rule-bending going down already. The joint is barely reopened and at least one person has successfully ordered an off-menu bean and cheese "wrap" there.
And since you were wondering? Yes, they still boast a long bar. It just isn't nearly as long as it used to be.
192 Mercer Street // 212-473-7878
Tagged
chipotle
east village
gonzalez y gonzalez
manhattan
strange rules
Garth Johnston
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