Go to Olympic Restaurant and Jade Fountain Right Now; Demolition Approved Ahead of Essex Crossing
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The end of Olympic Restaurant and “old as hills” Jade Fountain liquor store (and its bulletproof divider) will come a lot sooner than previously thought. Both businesses have pretty much been on deathwatch ever since SPURA plans for the Essex Crossing gamechanger were finally approved. But now the consortium of developers has just begun the initial steps toward full demolition. Plans were filed last week to dismantle the decades-old, but largely unused Essex Market building. DOB approved, but has yet to issue the official permit.
Expect the dismantling within the next couple months. Jeremiah over at Vanishing NY dined there recently, and learned that the month-to-month lease at the truck-stop diner might conclude sometime this summer. This timeline lines up perfectly with the new demolition permits. Plus, owner Steve Palakas had mentioned that Olympic will not have a presence inside the new Essex Market building.
On a personal note, Olympic was always an easy go-to for a hangover cure. Never a line and always a pleasure. Not a fuckin’ brunch to be seen at. You sit at the tables and look around to see people reading the paper, drinking a cup of coffee, talking neighborhood gossip. This place will most certainly be missed.
Steve Palakas took over what was already a longstanding luncheonette back in 1980, and has helmed the operation ever since. It’s been a long run. Pour one out.
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