The Ruben’s Empenadas location at 122 1st Avenue is no more.

The store was shuttered at 5:30 this evening as I rode by. Thinking that was odd, I called their number. 

doo doO dOO: This number has been changed…

…and redirected to the SoHo location at 505 Broome St. Called that number, and:

It’s closed, sir.

It is the 31st of the month.

So, gone without so much as a whimper.

Seems offering espresso wasn’t enough to get the traffic back up.

Maybe their maître d’ was turning away would-be customers?

Or, maybe it was those damn bus lanes?!?

Well, Neighborhood…thoughts?

Disappointment? Indifference?

Anyone have suggestions for good alternatives in the area?

And, once again, anyone have ideas on what could/should go in to yet another empty storefront in the neighborhood?