Why Did Absolute Bagels Shut Down? A Look At A Beloved UWS Staple's Abrupt Closure
The Upper West Side, a place full of tradition and familiar spots, recently saw something quite unexpected happen. Absolute Bagels, a name many New Yorkers knew well, just suddenly closed its doors. This shop, which had been a part of the neighborhood for more than three decades, left a lot of people wondering what exactly went on. So, too it's almost, the news spread fast, leaving a sense of surprise and, for many, a bit of sadness.
This particular bagel place, located on Broadway between West 107th and 108th streets, was, in a way, a true fixture. While some might argue it wasn't the absolute top spot for bagels in the city, it certainly held a special place. For over 30 years, it had been there, serving up countless bagels to locals, students from Columbia University, and anyone just passing through. It was, you know, a part of the everyday routine for many.
The sudden appearance of a simple "we are closed" sign on its door was, quite frankly, a shock. People who had grown up grabbing their morning bagel there, or who had just moved to the area and found their new favorite spot, were left with questions. What could cause such an established place to just stop operating so quickly? This question, very much, got people talking and looking for answers.
Table of Contents
- The Sudden Closure and Community Reaction
- Health Department Intervention: The Main Reason
- A History of Inspections
- The Owner Remains Silent
- More Than Just a Bagel Shop
- Frequently Asked Questions
The Sudden Closure and Community Reaction
The news about Absolute Bagels shutting down hit the Upper West Side like a wave. People were, basically, stunned. This wasn't just another business closing; it was a spot that had been around for a very long time, a place where many had made memories. The sign on the door, a plain declaration of "we are closed," was the first real indication for most that something significant had occurred. It was, apparently, a week that some called "Upper West Side infamy," showing just how much this place meant to its community.
For those who lived nearby, or for anyone who had attended Columbia University, Absolute Bagels was often the go-to place for, you know, a bagel and some schmear. It had even, quite often, made it onto lists of the best bagel spots in New York City. So, when it just vanished, the surprise was quite real. Some people felt a deep sense of anguish, while others, in a way, even found themselves moved to write poetry about the loss. It just goes to show how much a local shop can mean to a neighborhood.
The store, at 2788 Broadway, between West 107th and 108th streets, had been a part of the daily rhythm. Its unexpected departure left a noticeable gap. People were, in some respects, left trying to figure out what happened to this place that had been such a reliable part of their lives for so many years. It truly was, a bit, a moment of collective disappointment for many.
Health Department Intervention: The Main Reason
The primary reason for Absolute Bagels' closure, as it turns out, came from the city's Health Department. On December 11, just a couple of days before the news became widely known, the department carried out an inspection. What they found during this visit led to an order for the shop to close. It was, you know, a direct result of that inspection.
The inspection report detailed a number of significant health code violations. These were not minor issues, but rather, they involved conditions that posed a risk. Specifically, the inspectors found evidence of mice, which is a common problem in city establishments, but still a serious one. They also noted the presence of filth flies, which, again, points to unsanitary conditions. Beyond that, there were reports of rats and live roaches. These findings, basically, paint a picture of a place that needed to address some serious cleanliness concerns.
The official reason for the shutdown was, quite simply, "pest and unsanitary conditions." This is what the Health Department stated as the basis for their decision. For a business that handles food, these sorts of findings are, obviously, a big deal. They are the kind of issues that prompt immediate action from city authorities to protect public well-being.
A History of Inspections
What's interesting about this particular closure is that it wasn't the first time Absolute Bagels had faced issues with the Health Department. Records show that the store had been ordered to shut down by the health department on two other occasions over the years. This suggests, in a way, that there might have been ongoing challenges with maintaining the required standards.
It's worth noting that, generally, temporary closures by the Health Department happen fairly often within New York City's food scene. Many places get shut down for a short period to fix problems, and then they reopen. The fact that Absolute Bagels' recent closure appears to be permanent is, therefore, a bit unusual. Typically, these sorts of occurrences don't lead to a business closing its doors for good. This makes the situation with Absolute Bagels, arguably, stand out even more.
The pattern of past closures, even if temporary, might have contributed to the final decision. It suggests a recurring struggle to keep up with health regulations. While the specific details of those earlier shutdowns aren't widely known, the history does add a layer to the story of why this long-standing business ultimately ceased operations.
The Owner Remains Silent
One of the more puzzling aspects of the Absolute Bagels situation is the lack of official confirmation from the owner, Sam Thongkrieng. Despite numerous attempts by local media outlets, including West Side Rag, to reach him, he has not returned phone messages. This silence has, basically, left many questions unanswered and added to the mystery surrounding the shop's future.
While all signs point to the closure being permanent—the "we are closed" sign, the Health Department's order, and the general buzz in the neighborhood—the owner's lack of a public statement means that, technically, the permanent closure is still not confirmed by him directly. This can be a bit frustrating for a community that had such a strong connection to the business. People are, naturally, looking for a clear explanation.
The absence of a formal announcement from the owner means that the community is relying on observations and official records, like those from the Health Department, to understand what happened. It's, you know, a situation where the facts are out there, but the personal touch, the "why" from the person in charge, is missing. This silence, in a way, just adds to the feeling of abruptness that surrounded the whole event.
More Than Just a Bagel Shop
Absolute Bagels was, in fact, much more than just a place to get a quick bite. For many on the Upper West Side, it was a true institution. It had been a part of the fabric of the neighborhood for over three decades, watching generations come and go. Its closure sent ripples, not just through the city's food scene, but also, you know, through the lives of countless individuals who had made it a regular stop.
The shop had, over the years, earned a solid reputation, appearing on numerous "best bagels of New York City" lists. This recognition meant it wasn't just a local favorite; it was a destination for bagel lovers from all over. The popular bagelry's closure, therefore, truly sent the Upper West Side reeling. It showed just how deeply a business can become embedded in the daily life and identity of a community.
The Upper West Side has long been a sort of battleground for the title of the best bagel in New York City. Absolute Bagels was, undoubtedly, one of its key players in that friendly competition. Its sudden exit means that one of the most beloved bagel shops is now gone for good. It leaves, you know, a void that will be hard to fill for many who considered it a staple.
Frequently Asked Questions
What specific violations led to Absolute Bagels' closure?
The New York City Health Department ordered the closure after an inspection on December 11 found evidence of pest and unsanitary conditions. This included findings of mice, filth flies, rats, and live roaches, along with general unsanitary conditions around the premises. It was, basically, a range of issues that prompted the action.
Had Absolute Bagels been shut down before?
Yes, records show that Absolute Bagels had been shut down by the Health Department on two other occasions over the years. This suggests a history of issues with health code compliance, making the recent permanent closure, arguably, more significant than a typical temporary shutdown. You can learn more about NYC Health Department guidelines.
Is the closure of Absolute Bagels permanent?
While the owner, Sam Thongkrieng, has not officially confirmed the permanent closure, all signs and conversations in the community point to it being so. The "we are closed" sign, the Health Department's order, and the general sentiment suggest that the shop has indeed closed its doors for good. It's, you know, a sad reality for many.
The abrupt closure of Absolute Bagels certainly marked the end of a true New York institution for many. The reasons, rooted in health code violations, are clear from official reports. Yet, the story also carries the weight of a community's attachment to a place that served as more than just a bagel shop. It was, in a way, a part of their daily lives. Discover more NYC food stories, or learn more about bagel history on our site.
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