Temporary Closings

Papaya King Closes After 78 Years, Assures Mid-Summer Return

Photo: Courtesy of Papaya King

It’s not every day we hear from Papaya King — OMG, are they offering us free hot dogs for life? Sadly, no. A company rep e-mails to share some not-so-great news: The Upper East Side location (yes, Anthony Bourdain’s go-to) closed today. But don’t panic — unlike the 14th Street store (which closed last winter and turned into a deli), it’s merely taking “a much needed mid-summer break.” The rep says, “We’ll be reopening our doors with a newly renovated space later this summer.” Newly renovated? What needs to be renovated? Sure, the new signage at Chelsea Papaya is fun, but when it comes to the original Papayas, the less changed the better!

Update: New Owners Plan ‘Whole New Papaya King’

Papaya King Closes After 78 Years, Assures Mid-Summer Return