Chains Take Over Zen Palate Space

Recently the Riese Organization took over 34 Union Square East... the old Zen Palate space. Sigh. And what's going up in its place? The much rumored T.G.I. Friday's and a Tim Horton's of course, helping to complete the circle of chains around the park. Now Andrew Fine has photographic evidence; today he reported, "I spotted signage and crews working feverishly to complete a Tim Horton's... this is a downgrade and really counter to where we would like Union Square to be going. The burbs are invading!" The burbs... and Canadians! [via Curbed]

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By Jen Carlson in Food on December 3, 2009 6:30 PM

Comments [rss]

abcohen

Tim Horton's officially opened yesterday (at 5:30pm)

They opened the store with only 6 days of work going on inside after the location being closed for more then 2 years.

It was a full house inside this morning.

but I'd prefer to walk a half block north and see dunkin donuts

ed_Extinct

chains suck, but if anything i'd prefer to see a tim horton's...

ladyjane

tim horton's...so good. iced cappucino. try it. now.

HBHB

You should actually be thankful for the burbs. They're actually real New Yorkers coming in and spending money. All these chains are to help the mid-westerners feel more at home as they invade. Don't crap on your own just because they live 10 miles away.

imadick

what's zen palate? they prolly failed cuz of the gay-ass name

Boogie Down

It may be a chain, but Tim Horton's has damn good coffee. Also, my mother used to teach Tim Horton's children. True story.

imadick

tell it again.

tsol

"this is a downgrade and really counter to where we would like Union Square to be going. The burbs are invading!"

Yes, bring back the junkies and the empty storefronts!

Chillinoncentral

While I appreciate the truths and hidden references of TSOL's sharp and cutting sarcasm, these chain store restaurants are a serious threat to the personality of a colorful and otherwise unique community. While yet another chain link does not necessarily hinder the area's economic vitality, one-of-a-kind businesses and restaurants bring more visitors to Union Square and other local businesses that rely on revenues from tourists. A lack of unique stores and restaurants contributes towards the lose of its appeal.

woodendesigner

Zen Palate sucked. Bring on the Canadian donut goodness.

Geoelh

Zen Palate is a bit chainish itself, and was not my cup of tea, but I sympathize: TGIF is closer to swine trough than restaurant; and that dreadful Timley Horton's is an enemy of good doughnuts.

BUT, I know New Yorkers! They'll still seek out the independent shops! So a few dumb tourists go to this TGIF/TH instead of the ones in Times Square! Big Woop! Who gives a doodle!

HBHB

There were three of them world wide. Not quite a chain.

movi

You can hardly say that Zen palette failed; it was there for years. Not saying I ever went there more than a handful of times, though (I didn't even know it closed). But, really, there are so many restaurants in the city -- who really cares?

juniper19

I don't say this lightly: TGIFridays is a step up from Zen Palate. The food there was heinous.

longacre

"this is a downgrade and really counter to where we would like Union Square to be going. The burbs are invading!"
You're welcome to open your own vegetarian restaurant which will also fail like Zen Palate.

snessnyc

Zen Palate was open in that location for almost 15 years. That's a fail? The original has been open for something like 20 years. In this city, a restaurant hitting the 1-year mark is a success. Maybe, longacare, the landlord got greedy and they chose not to renew at his extortionist terms? If you noticed, they closed at pretty much the peak of the NY real estate bubble. But no, you would rather spew your usual biased misinformation. Oh, and BTW - Zen is and was an excellent restaurant. I used to eat there weekly when I worked nearby.