In a shocking turn of events, the beloved Upper West Side eatery Absolute Bagels has officially closed its doors for good. The announcement comes after a failed Health Department inspection that led to the restaurant’s immediate shutdown on December 11, 2024. Multiple employees confirmed the closure, stating emphatically that there is “no chance” of reopening.

On Friday morning, December 13, a somber scene unfolded outside the establishment located at 2788 Broadway, between West 107th and 108th streets. Employees were seen removing items from the restaurant and disposing of them in a dumpster, signaling the end of an era for the popular bagel shop. As the news spread, a crowd gathered, many expressing their disbelief and sadness over the closure.

Nick, an upper management employee who had spoken to local media the day prior, reiterated the finality of the situation, saying, “This is it, no chance.” The decision to close appears to stem directly from the Health Department’s actions, which, while not always leading to permanent shutdowns, in this case, resulted in a definitive end for Absolute Bagels.

Rafe Evans, a broker with extensive experience in the area, confirmed the closure to local news outlets. Evans has worked with the ownership group of the building for decades and was the one who initially rented the space to Absolute Bagels and its owner, Sam Thongkrieng. “I rented to Sam 30 years ago, and now he’s gone, leaving the space. It’s my job to re-rent the store,” Evans explained.

Evans mentioned that there is a collective agreement among stakeholders that another bagel establishment would be the ideal tenant for the space. He anticipates listing the commercial property by the end of the following week and noted, “There’s a ton of interest already from bagel people.” The broker described the closure as “out of the blue” and referred to the news as a “bombshell” for the community.

As word of the closure spread, many loyal customers expressed their disappointment. The iconic bagel shop had been a staple in the neighborhood, known for its fresh bagels and welcoming atmosphere. Customers often lined up outside the shop, eager to grab their favorite breakfast items. The sudden closure has left a void for many in the community who relied on Absolute Bagels for their morning routines.

Employees, visibly affected by the closure, echoed the sentiments of the community. One staff member, while moving items from the restaurant, remarked, “We are gone,” highlighting the emotional toll the closure has taken on those who worked there. The scene was filled with nostalgia as patrons reminisced about their favorite bagel orders and the sense of community fostered within the shop’s walls.

Despite the unfortunate circumstances, the local real estate market appears to be buzzing with interest in the space. Evans indicated that potential new tenants are already lining up, eager to take over the prime location. The broker’s experience and connections in the area suggest that it may not be long before another bagel shop or food establishment occupies the spot.

The closure of Absolute Bagels not only marks the end of a cherished local business but also serves as a reminder of the challenges that many eateries face, particularly in the wake of health inspections and regulatory scrutiny. While the community mourns the loss, there is hope that the space will soon be filled by another establishment that can carry on the legacy of serving delicious bagels and fostering community connections.

As the Upper West Side processes this unexpected change, the future of the location remains uncertain, but the fond memories of Absolute Bagels will undoubtedly linger in the hearts of its loyal customers.