Gothamist

A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.

Gothamist

WNYC Listen Live

Donate

 

 

Food

Union Square's Old Coffee Shop To Become A You Know What


By

Jen Carlson

Published Jun 13, 2019

Modified Jun 13, 2019


Share

FacebookTwitterRedditEmail


Never miss a story

 Email address

By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .

Coffee Shop prior to closing last year.

 

Gretchen Robinette / Gothamist


By

Jen Carlson

Published Jun 13, 2019

Modified Jun 13, 2019


Share

FacebookTwitterRedditEmail


We rely on your support to make local news available to all

Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today

Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations

The Union Square adjacent Coffee Shop lasted 28 years in its prime location on the corner of 16th Street and Union Square West, but sadly shuttered late last year. At the time, co-owner Charles Milite pointed to high rent as one of the reasons. "The times have changed in our industry," he said. "The rents are very high and now the minimum wage is going up and we have a huge number of employees."

The salt on the wound came when it was rumored a Chase Bank would be taking over the space, which featured a delightful throwback turquoise hue on its exterior, along with a neon sign that had long given the corner the aesthetic of a mid-century roadside diner. Both are still intact, though it's unclear what will change when Chase takes over... yeah, that rumor was confirmed this week.

coffeechase.jpg
The old Coffee Shop space this morning—no signs of Chase yet. (Adwait Patil / Gothamist)

According to Vanishing NY:

Earlier this month, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency approved Chase Bank's application to establish a branch on the southwest corner 16th Street and Union Square West. The bank is rumored to take over part of what was Coffee Shop, while the rest will go to restaurants and potentially other retail...

Soon there will be a personal Chase bank kiosk for each one of us, until then we must share these:

chasehattan.jpg
Chasehattan. (Google Maps)

Tagged

chase bank

coffee shop

union square


Jen Carlson

Jen Carlson is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.

Read more

Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations


Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations


MORE food

10 dishes that demonstrate the delicious diversity of curry in New York City

The global dish is shapeshifting and ubiquitous.

By

Robert Sietsema

Published Sep 12, 2026


Frozen yogurt is back in New York City. So are the super long lines.

Is it worth the high price and ridiculous wait? Gothamist needed to find out.

By

Sonia Rao

Food

Frozen yogurt is back in New York City. So are the super long lines.

Is it worth the high price and ridiculous wait? Gothamist needed to find out.

By

Sonia Rao


5 NYC banana puddings as good as Magnolia's

By

Hannah Frishberg

Where to eat in Greenpoint, Brooklyn right now, from Polish to Sichuan to Iberian

By

Robert Sietsema

Can a congressional candidate's dumpling diplomacy win over Queens’ immigrant communities?

By

Caroline Shin


Never miss a story

Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.

Sign upEmail address

By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .