Two longstanding Manhattan restaurants are set to close this month, marking the end of an era for both establishments. Rue 57 in Midtown has already shuttered, resulting in layoffs for approximately 60 employees, while the Ethiopian Queen of Sheba in Hell’s Kitchen is looking at closing its doors by April 26.
The impending closures of these two restaurants come as New York’s dining scene faces numerous challenges. Rising prices for goods, potential tariffs, inflation leading consumers to cut back on spending, and escalating rents and insurance costs are all contributing factors to the struggles many restaurants are experiencing.
An inquiry made by Eater revealed that Rue 57, located at 60 W. 57th Street at Sixth Avenue, has indeed closed earlier this month. This closure was attributed to the non-renewal of the restaurant’s lease, as reported by the Spirit of the Upper West Side.
The New York Post once described Rue 57 as “Balthazar Gone to the Mall” when it made its debut in 2000. The restaurant featured an impressive 300 seats spread across two levels. Florence Fabricant from the New York Times noted that Rue 57 was previously a music and club venue known as the Motown Cafe before transitioning into its current identity. Seafood was the focus of the menu, but it also offered nostalgic dishes such as chicken chow mein.
Originally owned by Marc Packer, a co-founder of Tao Group, Rue 57 marked an important part of his entrepreneurial journey. After parting ways with Tao Group, Packer moved on to collaborate with the Greek Avra Group, which has grown significantly since it launched with its initial location on East 48th Street in the same year. Avra has become a popular dining choice, loved by patrons including Mayor Eric Adams.
As the pandemic unfolded, Rue 57 gained attention for its efforts to adapt, offering outdoor dining options to accommodate customers. However, the news isn’t all positive; a decade ago, an employee was reportedly able to steal $500,000 from the establishment. More recently, the Spirit of the Upper West Side reported that Rue 57 has struggled to maintain operations since the onset of the pandemic.
Traveling to Hell’s Kitchen, another beloved restaurant, Ethiopian Queen of Sheba, is also facing closure at the end of April. The owner, Philipos Mengistu, shared with W. 42nd St. that a noticeable slowdown in business, particularly since December, is compelling him to close the restaurant.
Queen of Sheba, located at 650 Tenth Avenue at West 46th Street, has frequently been highlighted by Eater as one of the most popular Ethiopian restaurants in New York City. Its affordability, offering lunch specials like doro tibs and a Sheba vegetarian option for under $20, appealed to many diners. Dinner entrees at the restaurant generally cost less than $25.
Opening in 2001, Queen of Sheba marked a significant moment in the rise of Ethiopian cuisine in New York, as noted by the New York Times. Unfortunately, Queen of Sheba has also faced economic hardship, exacerbated by the pandemic, increased prices, and a decrease in customer footfall. Mengistu specifically pointed to challenges such as the cold winter and congestion pricing having a negative impact on the restaurant’s viability.
Mengistu himself has a deep-rooted history in the restaurant industry, having arrived in the U.S. about a decade prior to opening Queen of Sheba. His family operated a restaurant in Addis Ababa during the early 1970s, instilling in him a profound appreciation for the dining business.
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