12/02/2024
To the Subway Inn Saviors,
The time has come again, and it is with a heavy heart that we write to announce the closure of the Subway Inn. This has been an incredibly difficult decision, one that has been contemplated for over a year and a half. We understand how much this place has meant to so many of you, and please know that this is not a decision we arrived at lightly. The memories we’ve shared, the community we’ve built, and the support we’ve received from each and every one of you have made this journey unforgettable, but unfortunately, the realities we face today have led us to this conclusion.
Since we officially took over the new location on July 1, 2022, moving from 1140 2nd Avenue to 1154 2nd Avenue, things have never quite been the same. Our dreams of revitalizing this beloved neighborhood bar ran headfirst into a wall of unexpected challenges. The first, and most significant, being the bureaucratic obstacles put in place by the New York State Liquor Authority. We spent over eight months navigating red tape and endless setbacks, only to see the process drag on with little to no progress. The lack of urgency and support from those who should have been helping small businesses rebuild after the devastation of the pandemic made the situation feel even more daunting.
For a long time, we felt like we were taking three steps back for every step forward. The road to recovery seemed insurmountable, and our hopes of reviving the Subway Inn quickly began to fade. When we did finally open, the community wasn’t even aware that we were back in business. The excitement and momentum that we had anticipated just never materialized. People were slow to return, and the business that was once bustling with regulars and newcomers alike seemed to have disappeared. Even after our efforts to spread the word and reconnect with old friends, it became apparent that the landscape had changed irreversibly. Many of our neighboring business owners shared similar stories of struggle, feeling the effects of these new, uncertain times.
Throughout the last few years, we’ve seen a shift in the way people live, work, and spend their time. The rhythms of the city that once sustained places like Subway Inn no longer feel the same. The vibrant nightlife and bustling atmosphere we relied on have gradually given way to quieter, more introspective times. With fewer people frequenting the bar and restaurant industry in general, our ability to keep up with operational costs and overheads became unsustainable. Despite our best efforts to adapt and innovate, the financial toll became impossible to ignore.
We want to take a moment to express our deepest gratitude to all of you—our loyal patrons, the "Saviors" of Subway Inn. You were the heart and soul of this establishment, and your support over the years kept us going through thick and thin. We will forever be grateful for the laughter, the stories, the toasts, and the unforgettable memories you helped create here. You were not just customers to us; you were family. The sense of community that surrounded Subway Inn was something we could never have anticipated when we took over, and it has been a privilege to witness and be part of that bond.
As we close this chapter, we want to leave you with a sense of gratitude and pride in what we’ve shared together. Subway Inn was never just a business—it was a gathering place, a home, and a refuge for those who needed it. We will cherish the memories of those nights when the bar was packed, the music was playing, and everyone was enjoying themselves like the world outside didn’t matter. Those moments were what made this place special, and they will live on in our hearts forever.
However, we are not giving up hope entirely. We are actively searching for a new location to call home. We still believe in the spirit of Subway Inn and the deep connection we have to this community. It may take time, but we are committed to rebuilding and finding a way to return. We will keep fighting, keep looking, and keep dreaming of a day when we can serve you again, with a renewed sense of purpose and strength.
Our last day at this location will be December 28, 2024. Before we turn off the iconic neon lights for the final time and take them home with us, we hope you will come and visit us one last time. It would mean the world to us to see familiar faces, share a drink, and reminisce about the good times we’ve had together over the years.
Thank you to each and every one of you who has supported us, whether it was through a visit, a kind word, or simply your patronage. Your unwavering support has been a beacon of light for us during the darkest of days, and we will carry that with us as we move forward in our journey.
This is not goodbye. It's simply a ‘see you later.’ We will be back. And when we do, we hope you’ll be there with us. So, please keep an eye out for our next chapter. We’ll be doing everything we can to ensure that Subway Inn will rise again, in a new form, in a new location, but with the same love, dedication, and spirit that made it so special.
With deepest appreciation and love,
The Subway Inn Family
