Planet Wings on 5th Ave Shutters

Planet Wings [8612 5th Ave] next to Pizza Wagon closed a little over a year in business. It didn't seem like long ago that we first broke the news of their opening back in August (last year). Although we'd like to think that fried chicken resonates well with just about anyone, they likely didn't get a chance to hit their mark.

Auntie Anne's on 86th St Shutters

Auntie Anne's Pretzels [416 86th St] shut their doors for the last time to shoppers earlier in December after nearly two years in that space.

Fontana Sushi on 3rd Ave Closes

Fontana Sushi [9608 3rd Ave], a fixture of Bay Ridge of nearly two decades closed within this last week. It's been around since long before the Met Fresh Supermarket became it's neighbor in 2013, and survived through at least one ownership change (that we know of).  We last spotted it being gutted out for renovation earlier on Monday. They were best known primarily for their All-You-Can-Eat (AYCE)-style sushi buffet option, over their a la carte menu, similar to the ones that have been cropping along the outskirts of Bay Ridge/Borough Park of recent years.

That now leaves the southern portion of Bay Ridge covered by one less choice for sushi in the hands of Suki Sushi, Fushimi, and Shobu Sushi.

Your Baker on 86th Is Closing

"Your Baker" [518 86th St], the bakery (a Bay Ridge institution) that just about every living generation has ever known locally, is closing shop at the end of this month, with the Saraniero's moving onward with their retirement plans.  Many know Your Baker to be housed in the building with it's own name inscribed into the facade.

Bullshots, Olla Wine Bar goes dark, along with others

Bullshots [8121 5th Ave] may have poured its last shot. Beleaguered bar/pub of the better part of the last decade went dark last week. The casual watering hole that featured $3-4 pints & mixed drinks along with karaoke is no more.

Too Cool Shutters

Too-Cool Clothing Store

Too-Cool [457 86th St], the fashion/clothing store nestled among chain stores, Aerosoles, Radio Shack (shuttered in March) which began in 2006, closed its door at the end of April when their lease ran its course. Nearby retailers Century Twenty One, Flavour, Nothing Fits, and Pretty Girl may have proved worthy competition in this cutthroat clothing retail gambit. This location was once home to Sterling Optical in the years prior.

This storefront joins the three other spaces vacated within the last two months along the coveted 86th St. BID, two of which were once mom-and-pop stores (the other was a temporary Sprint store). Only a handful of independents remain amid the proliferation of chain retailers. Too-Cool's other store along 5th Ave in Sunset Park remains.

Update: Apparently, Too-Cool is open once again. Further inquiries into this matter were returned without a response.

Monaco's Bakery Closes After Five Years

Monaco's Bakery

Monaco's Bakery and Cafe [8511 3rd Ave], the family-owned and operated business of Joe and Elizabeth Monaco closed its doors for the last time in April 2015 after an amazing 5 year run.

Grapevine Mediterranean Kitchen Closes, Take-Out and Catering to Continue

Grapevine Mediterranean Kitchen [8303 3rd Ave], a Lebanese restaurant along restaurant row has recently closed as of Nov 21.  They took to Facebook to thank their loyal customers.

Donut Stop on 3rd Ave Closes

(Courtesy of Google Maps)

DNAinfo first broke the news on the closing of Donut Stop [9406 Third Ave] on Sunday (11/29). The owners took to Facebook to thank their customers for their years of patronage.

Killarney Pub To Close

(Source: Brooklyn Paper)

Killarney Pub [6911 5th Ave], Say it ain't so! It's been a great run but as Brooklyn Paper first reported, this Bay Ridge institution of 90 years is closing according to owner, Paddy Finn. We wish him well on his future endeavors.

Mori Sushi is No More

Mori Sushi [8619 5th Ave] was found to be closed earlier last week and continues to be this week. We believe it didn't help to advertise 50% off sushi from the start, or offer up All-You-Can-Eat sushi when it opened last year, when the previous beleaguered occupants were also Asian buffet-style concept restaurants: Wild Ginger and Century before that. Just saying.

Lai Yuen Chinese Restaurant Shutters

Lai Yuen Chinese Restaurant (Courtesy of Google)

Lai Yuen [10033 4th Ave], the Chinese fine-dining option near the southern tip of Bay Ridge shuttered Monday morning on Aug 31st, apparently unable to come to terms renegotiating their lease, bringing it's 15 year run to an end.

Facebook Message thanking customers

Management took to Facebook to express their heartfelt thanks to customers for their support.