Neighbors Bid Farewell to Cup & Saucer with Emotional Gate Tribute
Monday was supposed to have been the last day in business for Cup & Saucer. Unfortunately for those seeking a last meal that day, the rude surprise of a shuttered gate signaled the early end. By yesterday morning, an outpouring of tributes to the luncheonette arrived on the doorstep.
Two pieces of neon orange oaktag were taped to the gate, boasting heartfelt messages from locals who appreciated the thirty years of service to the community.
“Thank you for making our community a kinder more beautiful place, we won’t forget you,” reads one message.
Another notes, “Thank you for the coffee and being a true New York institution; hope you can reopen soon.”
Cup & Saucer fell victim to a wallet-busting rent gouge, increased nearly fifty-percent to $15,000 (plus real estate taxes). The business was under the same ownership since partners Nick Tragaras (also a cook) and John Vasilopoulos took over in 1988. Yet, the corner kitchen dates back some 77 years during its time as a Jewish luncheonette.
Meanwhile, there are rumblings that Tragaras and Vasilopoulos could reopen Cup & Saucer elsewhere in the neighborhood.
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