Juventino Closes Down, With Questions Unanswered

The popular brunch spot and farm-to-table restaurant Juventino (370 5th Avenue) has closed after eight years. Back in August, we reported the space was up for sale. According to LoopNet, the property is currently off-market.

The website for the restaurant no longer features a menu or information about a potential relocation. The text on the page currently reads:

THANK YOU
to all our guests and amazing staff for making the last 8 years such a success.
It’s time for some much needed rest, a couple culinary travels, and some new projects!

Back in 2012, Juventino was embroiled in an intense controversy, as nearly two dozen employees, past and present, accused Chef Juventino Avila of sexual harassment.  Avila and owner Rebecca Uberti (Avila’s live-in partner at the time) denied the allegations to many news organizations, including our own, as well as Jezebel, who wrote about the allegations extensively.

In addition to the allegations, a website was created in the heat of the controversy called Juventino Disclosed. The site states:

“We are former servers of Juventino (known formerly as Get Fresh Table & Market), writing to inform you of the abusive behavior we have experienced at this establishment.”

We have reached out to Juventino ownership to inquire about the reason for its closing, but have not heard back.

At this point, we cannot confirm any connection between the closure of the restaurant and the state of a lawsuit or settlement with former employees.