The COVID-19 pandemic has been the cause of around 300,000 deaths in the US and over 1.6 million worldwide.
The pandemic has also led to the death of many businesses. Restaurants have been hit particularly hard with many layoffs and tons of places closing for good.
The famed 21 Club in New York City has been open (in various locations) since 1922 but it had to close its doors due to COVID-19 recently.
21 Club has actually been temporarily closed since March. However, now it looks like it is permanently closed. However, “the owners wanted to reopen in the future but could not yet say how or when“, according to Fox News.
A spokeswoman, Ülkü Eruçar-Kenny told Fox News that, “In light of the ongoing global crisis and anticipated extended recovery period for the hospitality industry, the difficult decision was made that it will not be feasible to reopen the 21 Club in its current form for the foreseeable future…The company is exploring potential opportunities that will allow 21 Club to remain a viable operation in the long term, while retaining its distinctive character.”
The restaurant has a unique entryway, decorated with 35 jockey statues. It’s also welcomed every sitting US President since FDR besides George W Bush and Barack Obama.
I never had the chance to visit 21 Club but it was on my list. I hoped to visit to try their burger (which I read was excellent) and check out the historic space. It doesn’t look like that will be happening…
Find out more from Fox News here.
Although I only dined there once, (too pricey for my budget) I enjoyed the food and loved the old-time atmosphere of this former speakeasy. I smiled as I thought of the many famous and infamous characters who frequented the place over its long history. It’s sad that New York City is losing such an iconic restaurant.