Taqueria Ends Its Tenure on Orchard Street; St. Mark’s Location Opens Thursday
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Hated landlord Ben Shaoul again wielded his metaphorical sledgehammer this weekend, knocking out another neighborhood establishment at the corner of East Houston and Orchard Streets.
The latest victim of the massive purge is four-year-old Taqueria, having served its last burritos at 198 Orchard last night. Not surprising, though, as their departure was expected for months. The silver lining here is that a larger version of same is almost ready to roll at 79 St. Mark’s Place. Thursday is opening day, we are told.
Ownership had previously obtained full support from Community Board 3 for a liquor license at this replacement location; the application is still pending at the State Liquor Authority.
As previously reported, developer-landlord Ben Shaoul will erect a ten-story (120 feet) mixed-use tower here, carrying the 196 Orchard address. It’ll boast 94,923 square-feet of residential area and a commercial footprint of 13,463 square-feet. Composition includes 83 dwelling units and community facility space for a “physical culture establishment” (possibly a for-profit gym which isn’t typically allowed). Retail is part of the equation, as well.
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Taqueria is moving to St. Mark’s Pl.
The sale of Katz’s air rights last summer helped make this whole thing happen. Demolition of the commercial strip probably won’t commence until around June, by which point the last businesses are expected to vacate.
Remaining tenants are Ray’s Pizza (which sold the property to Shaoul), 200 Orchard, Empanada Mama, and Karaoke Boho.
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