Food closures continue to pile up across the Lower Hudson Valley. Among the recent hits are a year-old cookie spot in West Nyack, a 5-year-old soul food eatery in Nyack, a decade-long Italian restaurant in White Plains and a New American restaurant in Pleasantville open nine years.
In some cases, the reasons boiled down to economics (read rising food and energy costs) while for others, it's time for a rebrand. Details follow.
My Father's House Southern Cuisine, Nyack
Oct. 10 is the last day of service for this soul food spot, popular for its chicken and waffles, shrimp and grits, seven-cheese macaroni and cheese and braised short ribs.
Open since 2021 and known for its lively gospel Sunday brunch, the decision to close came
after "much thought and many tears," according to the restaurant's social media post. The note cited "rising food and energy costs paired with inconsistent customer flow," adding "it wasn't an easy choice but it's the right one for us."
Before leaving, chef/owner Adrienne Cromartie-Wolf and her team wrote how they'd love to "see your faces one more time and give you a hug in person."
"This isn't goodbye. It's so long for now." 12 N. Broadway, 845-875-7345, mfhsc.com.
Chip City, West Nyack
This cookie spot, at the Palisades Center for exactly one year (they opened last October), shut down Oct. 2. The eatery, on Level Four of the mall, was known for its weekly rotating menu of more than 100 flavors, everything from S’mores and chocolate peanut butter to blueberry cheesecake, lemon berry, and the iconic cannoli.
The closure is part of a nationwide shutdown announced on their website blaming "significant macro-economic headwinds."
Chazz Palminteri Italian Restaurant, White Plains
After more than a decade in White Plains, this Italian restaurant, at 264 Main St., closed Sept. 30. The owners made the announcement on social media.
In an email to restaurant subscribers, however, they hinted that more might come.
"September 30 will mark the end of this chapter but not the end of our story," reads the post. "We look forward to welcoming you to Empire Steak House and Big Blue Seafood & Grill for many years to come."
In other words, stay tuned. Though nothing is confirmed, the ESH Restaurant Group, which has steakhouses in numerous Manhattan locations as well as a seafood spot on West 44th Street, could possibly be bringing a new concept to the same space. Then again, they could just be hoping you visit their New York locations.
Vela Kitchen, Pleasantville
The phone at Vela Kitchen is out of order and signage outside proclaims the space is for lease. The Pleasantville restaurant, with a New American menu and wine bar vibe, was a Washington Avenue village staple for nine years. Owner Michael Madden previously owned Vintage 1891 in Larchmont (since closed) and the short-lived Vesta Kitchen in Harrison.
Have restaurant opening or closing news?
Email JRMuchnick@gannett.com with details. And if you're hungry for more food intel, sign up for my free weekly newsletter, which often includes behind-the-scenes info I don't always share in my stories at profile.lohud.com/newsletters/manage.
Jeanne Muchnick covers food and dining. Click here for her most recent articles and follow her latest dining adventures on Instagram @jeannemuchnick or via the lohudfood newsletter.
This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: Food closures in Westchester, Rockland continue to rack up
