On Allen Street, the Red Mango that Wasn’t

The Red Mango at the southwest corner of Allen and Rivington Streets remains a reminder of failed fro-yo. This corner treats shop has been dormant since its closure in September 2015. More remarkable is that the kitchen equipment and random appliances are still intact, despite the recent removal of branded signage and the surviving window advertising.

It’s as if the staff left in the middle of the night, not to return.

Red Mango opened at 145 Allen Street more than seven years ago, and seemed poised to capitalize on the hordes of hotel guests across the way at the Allen Street Hotel. That hotel still hasn’t launched after the better part of a decade under construction, and the frozen yogurt franchise failed after roughly four years. (The hotel will have five bars.)

There had been a weathered leasing sign for the retail real estate, but no takers as yet. Yet, at least one reader notes that there is some movement inside the derelict store.

Before Red Mango took the torch here, this spot was the home of the neighborhood bodega, Mi Pueblo Grocery. They closed in 2010.

Before Red Mango, April 2009