Facing Issues With Landlord, Owner Says Brooklyn Belly May Not Reopen

We’ve got some bad news. Close to two years after Brooklyn Belly (915 Cortelyou Road between Coney Island Avenue and E. 9th Street) opened in the summer of 2013, the restaurant may permanently be shutting its doors because of issues with the landlord, owner Odeis Stephenson told us yesterday.

The much-loved neighborhood eatery, which dished up everything from jerk chicken to fish po’ boy sandwiches and fried mac ‘n cheese, has been closed for a little while now, and Odeis said he would like to reopen but thinks it’s “highly unlikely” because of problems he’s facing regarding the lease.

“My apologies to everyone — I was hoping to have a definite answer by now but I don’t have one as yet,” Odeis wrote to us about the possibility of reopening.

“I have been paying attorneys since the first three months of the lease just to be able to do business,” he continued. “Unfortunately, I only signed a two-year agreement, and it’s been a great two years barring our problems with the landlord. I am really trying to renegotiate my lease, as we are currently still in court, but it’s taking a bit longer because of the holidays. It has been an unsure two years, which has held the business captive.”

Additionally, Odeis told us that in order to reopen he would need to renew his permits, which would require major repairs — something that the owner said he’s “willing to do, but has been advised not to by my attorney until I have a guaranteed lease agreement.”

We have left a message for the owner, Deonarine Sing, but we have not heard back. We’ll update this as soon as we do.