Custom Tailor on Fifth Up For Rent

I've always appreciated, in an old-world kind of way, walking past the no frills Custom Tailor on Fifth Avenue between St. Johns and Lincoln and seeing the owner through the window, without fail, hard at work altering garments. That view has been blocked for the past week, however, by a giant "For Rent" sign.

The shop was apparently officially called Lilo's, and unfortunately Yelp reviews indicate that the lady in the window was, shall we say, a bit less than welcoming. Still, this homespun shop served a niche in the neighborhood, and there have been a whole lot of businesses closing down in the North Slope so far this year.

El Jalapeno to Close

El Jalapeno, the Mexican restaurant on President Street between Fourth and Fifth Avenues, is for sale, and will be closing as soon as a buyer is found.

The restaurant, which has been regarded by some as serving the best Mexican food in the neighborhood but never really found its footing thanks to its off the beaten path location, has reduced menu prices by 25 percent and is selling beer for $4.

When I spoke to the manager, he told me that his father, who was a regular fixture in the restaurant as well as a co-owner, recently passed away. His business partner, the other owner, also passed away recently, leaving the restaurant in a sad state. They're unable to continue on without them, so have decided to put it up for sale.

I was always a fan of El Jalapeno, and it's sad to learn that it's coming to such an unfortunate end. I'd recommend trying their food before they close for good; I've never been anything other than impressed by it.

Noella Brew Bar to Close March 3rd

Noella Brew Bar, the coffee shop from former Ozzie's co-owner Melissa Rapoport that opened in December 2011 on Seventh Avenue between Berkeley and Lincoln, will be closing on March 3rd.

The space had been for rent in recent weeks, with a going rate of $8,200 for the 900 square foot space. While the offerings were quality, there wasn't much to set the shop apart from the other cafes in the area, and  the warning signs were certainly there; the most glaring one was the addition of a Stitch Therapy shop to the front space a couple months ago. It certainly didn't help that Cafe Regular du Nord and Cafe Dada happened to be right across the street.

Here's the official announcement, via Facebook:

Noella Is Closing

Sunday, March 3rd will be our last day. It’s sad and happy at the same time.

Why sad? The only reason: Our community. Some of you I have seen every day for the last 20 years. Our customers, our staff ... that’s what made this decision the most difficult. I will miss you all and hope that we find another way to connect.

Why happy? The universe has lined up to say, “Melissa, after 20 years in the coffee business it’s time to make a change.” I am back in school, working on my certification as a health counselor. This will put my masters in developmental psychology to work, allowing me to help people make positive and lasting changes in their lives. That’s my path.

After closing Sunday, March 3rd, we will be celebrating at 6 pm the end of a 20-year career and the new beginning for not only me, but also Flannery, Evan and Sammy. We are all on the brink of great and wonderful things. Please join us!

You can reach me at info@noellabrewbar.com.

With deep appreciation,
Melissa

La Taqueria held down this space for almost 20 years before closing in September 2010 (the second half of the restaurant, in the space currently occupied by The Painted Pot, closed down four months later), and this was a much-anticipated second effort for Rapoport, who had recently closed down both of her Ozzie's, on Fifth and Seventh Avenues. While it's sad to see that this effort didn't work out for her, it's good to know that she's beginning a new career.

Now the waiting game begins to see how long it is before this space is snatched up (and by who), along with the many other recently vacated spaces along this stretch of Seventh Avenue.

Get Reel Video To Close by March 1

Get Reel Video, which has been on the corner of Fifth Avenue and St. Marks Place since 2005, will be closing by the end of the month. A For Rent sign appeared in the front window last week, and then a few days ago the below sign joined it, confirming that the store will indeed be closing. An employee told me that while the closure could come as soon as this weekend, they need to be out of the space by March 1.

Owned by Christine Kim, the store was best known for its wide selection of independent films, knowledgeable staff, and quirky categorization system (Directors, Criterion, and "Movies You Probably Don't Know" were a few). The staff also gave the selection a personalized touch, dotting the stacks with notecards pointing out little-known gems.

"Becoming a member here is more than just joining a video store," Kim told me when I spoke to her back in 2011. "It's like joining a community film club. People come here to hang out, meet, and chat about film. Sometimes I come in and see people sitting on the floor! If we had more space we'd have a coffee shop in here too."

And while she knew that Netflix was certainly cutting into her customer base, there was one reason why it had such a devoted following. "When I ask people why they shop here, they tell me that it's because of the experience," she said. "It's like going to the bookstore. You can browse, read reviews, chat, and get recommendations. Everyone says to increase prices, but I never will. I just want people to see movies."

With this closure, that means that there is only one remaining video store in Park Slope: Video Gallery, on Seventh Avenue.

Galaxy Comics on Seventh to Close Next Month

The Seventh Avenue outpost of Galaxy Comics, on the second floor of 123 Seventh Avenue (between President and Caroll Streets) will be closing by the end of March. There's a For Sale sign in the window, and manager Robin Buckwalter, who can almost always be found behind the store's front desk, confirmed that they're on their way out, even though the original Fifth Avenue location (between Eighth and Ninth Streets) will remain open.

There's a sale underway; lots of comics are 50% off, statues are 25% off, certain collectibles are 50% off, and tee-shirts are buy one, get one free.