Hinsch’s Beloved 5th Ave Soda Fountain Shuttered After 63 Years

Yesterday, the New York Post reported that Hinsch’s Luncheonette (8518 5th Avenue), a Bay Ridge fixture since 1948, has closed its doors forever after a failed Department of Health inspection shuttered the soda shop on September 29.

According to the article, Hinsch’s failed their last health inspection miserably – racking up 45 violation points. A business may be closed after acquiring just 28.

DOH inspectors, who had found roaches during an earlier visit, came back on September 29, only to find more.

Owner John Logue – former member of Community Board 10 and head of the 86th Street Business Improvement District – seems to have had enough of the inspections, as well as slinging sandwiches and egg creams.

A sign left in the eatery’s window thanked loyal customers and announced Logue’s plans to retire rather than try and renew his lease.

From the Post:

“Our lease is expiring and we decided not to renew it,” stated the sign, signed by “The Logue Family.”

“Current economic conditions, customers changing eating patterns, and our desire to retire early have led us to this decision,” it added. “We thank all of our customers for your business and appreciate your support and loyalty. We will miss serving you.”

Distraught longtime patrons of the greasy spoon told reporters they were devastated to see their favorite malt shop stop operations.

Community Board 10 District Manager Josephine Beckmann said she was shocked to see Hinsch’s closed due to a lack of cleanliness. Beckmann insisted that, upon her last visit two weeks ago, the luncheonette was “immaculate.”

The loss of Hinsch’s marks the closing of one of New York City’s last old time soda fountains.

Many in the neighborhood fear a corporate-owned chain will come to replace the restaurant, transferring profits made on Bay Ridge’s main streets to Wall Street investors – instead of back into the community.