Crown Heights Favorite Franklin Park Closes After 12 Years

Franklin Park — the beloved Crown Heights bar that was a steady favorite among neighborhood residents — closed Sunday night after 12 and a half years in the neighborhood. The bar made the announcement on its social media pages, letting customers know that it was shutting shop after service on Sunday.

Bargoers immediately flooded Franklin Park’s Twitter and Instagram accounts with memories of their visits over the years. While the bar closed after service last night, Franklin Park’s burger joint, Dutch Boy, will remain open for takeout and delivery, according to the closing announcement. There’s also an ongoing fundraiser for the establishment’s staffers. Eater has reached out to owner Matthew Roff for more details on the closure.

Since its opening more than a decade ago, Franklin Park has established a reputation for its affordable beers, juicy burgers, and friendly, welcoming vibe, with customers hanging out at communal tables post-work in the outdoor garden. Weekend nights transformed the large bar into dance parties, and there was a space in the back for arcade games as well.

Since the start of the pandemic, more than 1,000 restaurants have closed citywide, and with the latest ban on indoor dining, many in the hospitality industry say more closings could be on the way without federal aid.