Astoria Favorite Queens Kickshaw Closes This Month

Astoria favorite The Queens Kickshaw is done serving grilled cheeses.

Owners and neighborhood locals Ben Sandler and Jennifer Lim announced Monday evening that they’ll be closing the restaurant later this month. They’ll be renovating the space and reopening it a month later as a new restaurant, with completely different food.

The restaurant at 40-17 Broadway opened in 2011, billed as a fancy grilled cheese restaurant and as “a place and community that reflected our love for the neighborhood,” the couple said at the time.

It became known as a gathering spot for both stellar sandwiches on Balthazar bread, as well as its serious coffee program. Sandler and Lim said in a note to diners:

Now comes the next chapter in which we address growing business challenges, and reinvent ourselves. The Kickshaw spirit will stay in place, though the food and beverage will change. We will maintain our mission of being a supportive workplace while envisioning a new gathering spot for the neighborhood.

The couple did not say what the new menu and restaurant would look like. They are, however, already selling dinner tickets for the opening week. For $35, people can pre-reserve a spot.

Eater has reached out to the restaurant for more information. Queens Kickshaw’s last day will be Sunday, August 27, with a closing party that night. Stay tuned for more.