Hell's Kitchen Wine Bar Kashkaval to Close 5/24

After 16 years at 856 9th Avenue in Hell's Kitchen, Kashkaval Cheese Market and Wine Bar will close its doors at the end of service on Saturday, May 24th.

Touted as one of Hell's Kitchen's hidden treasures, Kashkaval hosts a cheese and gourmet foods market with over 100 international cheese varieties, imported olives, cured salamis and meats and gourmet salads, soups and sandwiches. Tucked behind the inviting market is an intimate wine bar offering a vast selection of vintages and Mediterranean signatures like fondue, hummus, meat/cheese platters and kebabs.

The establishment's landlord has opted not to renew the lease and has declined to offer a reason for this decision.

"Kashkaval has been in the community since 1998 and is locally owned," says co-owner Daniel Assaf. "It's unfortunate we have to close under these circumstances. We have been great tenants, we pay a market rent and were willing to continue doing so. Our shop is successful and we employ over 30 people."

Despite many attempts to save this neighborhood favorite, including a Change.org petition with over 3,500 signatures, Kashkaval has been forced to vacate at the end of the month.

"We are so thankful for the outpouring of support we have received. We were very moved by the hundreds of stories and letters in support of our efforts to renew our lease," says co-owner Corey Samuels. "Many people have had wonderful and memorable experiences at Kashkaval over the years and the national, and even international, attention has been overwhelming."

Kashkaval will continue to serve its renowned fare through May 24th and encourages patrons to enjoy this Hell's Kitchen institution one last time. All customers will receive a voucher for a complimentary beverage at sister restaurant Kashkaval Garden.

Located just next door at 852 9th Avenue, Kashkaval Garden is the newest addition to the Kashkaval family. Opened last summer, Kashkaval Garden takes the celebrated wine bar to the next level with specialty dishes like poutine and raclette and a selection of over 30 bourbons and scotches. The menu boasts many Kashkaval favorites, plus exciting new additions, making the establishment the perfect locale for those in need of a Kashkaval fix.

Kashkaval Garden is set to expand its seating capacity later this year as they construct an intimate, all-season garden space in the backyard. The garden extension will enable the restaurant to accommodate more than 60 guests and will play host to a variety of private events throughout the year. Kashkaval Garden looks forward to welcoming former Kashkaval customers for many years to come.

Both Kashkaval and Kashkaval Garden are open for lunch and dinner and take reservations for parties of 6 or more. The Kashkaval catering menu will continue to be available. For more information, please visit www.kashkaval.com/catering.

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