Beygl’s Temporary Closure Status Has Changed, And The News Isn’t Good
It looks like the neighborhood has lost one of its favorites. Neighbor Paul Battaglia spotted a “for rent” sign in Beygl‘s (291 5th Avenue between 1st and 2nd Streets) storefront. We have confirmed that the store is now up for sale. The space has been listed at $7,500 per month by RES.
Beygl has been well-loved by many neighbors since its opening in 2012. And there are still questions as to why the closing has happened.
On September 29, Beygl was temporarily closed by the NYC Department of Health and Hygiene. “I explained to the inspector that we have been working in and out of these refrigerators all morning and they have not been given enough time to reach 41 degrees,” said owner Robert Massa when we contacted him soon after the temporary closing. “We have our refrigeration repair man here to do any repairs and inspections on our units. I will need to present these receipts to the health department and receive another inspection to determine everything is in working order to reopen. I’m hoping to be open by this weekend.”
That reopening never took place.
In a response at the time by the NYC Department of Health and Hygiene for more details, Carolina Rodriguez, a press representative, responded via email: “The restaurant was closed for insufficient refrigeration, 4 of their 5 refrigerators were not working, therefore the food was out of temperature. They also had fruit flies. Once they correct the problems they can request a reopening inspection and if they pass they can reopen.”
On Wednesday, October 21, Rodriguez offered the following comments:
“Beygl located at 291 5[th] Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11215 was closed by the Health Department. We have asked for specific reasons, but have not yet heard back. Beygl was closed on 9/29/15 due to two public health hazards that could not be corrected at the time of the inspection, a fly infestation and insufficient refrigeration. They were also cited for cold food items held above temperature, and food contact surface areas that were not properly washed risking food contamination. Once these issues are corrected and any unpaid fines, if they exist are paid, the restaurant can request a re-opening re-inspection.”
Considering the “for rent” sign, it is highly unlikely Beygl will reopen — at least in the same spot.
We have also reached out to owner Robert Massa and are waiting for a comment.
Neighbors have contacted us and have been disappointed — and at times frustrated — with the closing and lack of information.
In response to the closing, neighbor Liz O’Connor writes:
“It feels like the hits keep on coming with Park Slope restaurant closures, first Bierkraft‘s abrupt departure and now this. Between Bagel World, Bagel Pub, Bagel Hole and everything in between, weekend breakfast loyalties run deep in Park Slope.
I was very much a Beygl gal. Maybe it was the excellent gravlax provided by Acme Fish, or the roster of delicious cream cheeses. Maybe it was the fact that by some sorcery 95% of the seeds remained on your bagel during consumption whether it be a sesame, gluten free, or everything flagel; or maybe it was simply because so many of my great Saturdays and Sundays had started with their carbs and cold brew.
Whatever the reason, I know Beygl will be missed by many Park Slope-rs and I am sad to see them go.”
Neighbor Paul Battaglia is hoping that “maybe they can reopen somewhere else in the neighborhood.”
We’ll provide further details about Beygl and the future of 291 5th Avenue when we receive them.