Popular Lower East Side Brunch Spot Brown Shutters

It was anything but a happy new year for fans of Brown cafe on Hester Street. At the stroke of midnight, the cozy dozen-year-old eatery as you remember it – most famous for its popular brunch menu – ended its tenure on the Lower East Side.

The sliding gates of 61 Hester are now shuttered, and the store itself devoid of any activity. Chairs sit on tables, counters empty, etc. A simple letter on the door explains it all. The owners are closing Brown to focus on other nonprofit endeavors. However, the restaurant will still reportedly cater to “private bookings and events.”

Here’s the full message:

Brown would like to thank the community and all of our customers and friends for 12 inspiring years on 61 Hester Street. As the new year begins, so will the transformation of Brown.

on 1/1/13 we will no longer operate as a restaurant but temporarily close our doors and focus on the development of our multifaceted projects which include a non profit food awareness program for public schools. Both Orange and Brown will remain available for private bookings and events.