‘Maman’ Cafe Departs the International Center of Photography After 8 Months
Something strange is afoot at 250 Bowery. First, its condo board sues the developer for shoddy construction (the owners seek $13 million in damages). Now, the cafe located in the ground level quietly vacated the premises.
Maman, the French-flavored coffee shop based on Centre Street, seems to have ended its window dispensary at the International Center of Photography earlier this week. No announcement, just a quick pack-up. The menu is removed from the wall and bakery cases left empty. Furthermore, there is no longer any mention of this satellite outpost on its website or social media. The ICP website also notes that the “Museum café is temporarily closed.”
Maman was not immediately available for comment. Thus ends a roughly eight-month love affair…
The International Center of Photography purchased the ground floor of 250 Bowery for $23.5 million in the spring of 2015. Maman was founded three years ago on Centre Street by Michelin-rated chef Armand Arnal and partners Benjamin Sormonte and Elisa Marshall. Both the cafe and its parent institution debuted here in June 2016.
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