Burrito Legend Benny's Shutters After 27 Years in the East Village

East Village favorite, Benny's Burritos shuttered last night after 27 years in business and a good fight, notes EV Grieve. In November, owner Mark Merker downsized the shop into a tiny sliver of its original size and made it take out only, but the rent and competition from other burrito producers like Chipotle still proved to be too much. Farewell giant burritos.

Well...to all our customers for so many years I'd like to thank you for coming to Benny's Burritos East

— Benny's Burritos (@BennysBurritos1) February 26, 2015

There's still a Benny's Burritos in the West Village, but it's actually completely unrelated to this institution. Meanwhile Harry's Burritos on the Upper West Side, which was also related, closed back in December when Benny's downsized.