Speculation regarding the demise of West Village institution Shopsins began in March with a rumored relocation to Carroll Gardens, then picked up steam in July with word that the Shopsins storefront at 54 Carmine Street was for rent. Today, Josh Stein at Gridskipper has it that Kenny Shopsins's kitschtastic and adored restaurant has closed its doors for good. On an undetermined time line they will open a stand in the Essex Street Market, but it will be a very streamlined version of the joint they had operated since 1982. We go to Stein for more:
Our tipster, a regular, said the atmosphere was moribund as the whole Shopsin family sat in a booth looking forlorn...The new iteration of Shopsin's, to be opened hopefully in a couple of months, will consist of a sandwich stand and maybe a counter. But say goodbye to the extensive tablet of the menu, goodbye to the Connect Four and year-round Santa Claus. Rent and stress have finally caught up to the family.Shopsins is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, so Wednesday should bring confirmation that this latest twist is final. As for the weekend past, the farewell tour was, as could have been predicted, open to inner circle friends and customers only.
· Shopsins RIP [Gridskipper]
· Shopsins Heading to Carroll Gardens [~E~]
· EaterWire: Shopsins on the Block [~E~]
