The Original Papaya King Reopens After Major Renos

Today, a Fine Blog reports that the original Papaya King, the one that started it all in 1932 on East 86th Street, reopened this morning after months of renovations: "While newcomer Shake Shack is still lining them down the street, at least when it comes to dogs, Papaya King is the one to beat," he notes, adding that there is now a breakfast menu.

Director of operations Wayne Rosenbaum writes in to confirm. It's a soft opening right now and the grand reopening will take place this weekend: "We spent a ton of time digging through the archives and working with Alexander Poulos to make sure we preserved what Papaya King is all about (even reintroducing original elements lost over the years and tracking down the nephew of the original tropical drink machine maker to refurb the one-of-a-kind original machines) while doing the necessary things to bring the restaurant up to code and get it ready for the next 80 years!"
· Papaya King Reopens, Now With Breakfast Menu [AFB]