Brooke Martin
Candle 79, a beloved vegan restaurant in New York City, closed its doors on December 31, 2019, after 16 years in business. The closure was due to real estate developments in Manhattan's Upper East Side neighborhood, where the restaurant was located. Candle 79 was known for its delicious organic vegan cuisine and had become a favorite spot for both neighborhood regulars and celebrities alike. The restaurant's owners, Bart Potenza and Joy Pierson, also operated two other successful vegan eateries in the city, Candle Cafe and Candle Cafe West. Candle 79's closure came as a shock to many, with people sharing their fond memories of the restaurant and expressing their sadness over its closing.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | 154 E 79th St, New York, NY 10075 |
| Type of cuisine | Vegan |
| Year established | 2003 |
| Year closed | 2019 |
| Day of closing | New Year's Eve |
| Reason for closing | Real estate developments |
| Owners | Bart Potenza and Joy Pierson |
| Other ventures | Candle Cafe, Candle Cafe West |
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What You'll Learn
Candle 79 closed on December 31, 2019
Candle 79, a beloved vegan restaurant in New York City, closed its doors on December 31, 2019, after 16 years of serving its customers. The owners, Bart Potenza and Joy Pierson, made the announcement on Facebook, citing real estate developments in Manhattan's Upper East Side neighborhood as the reason for the closure.
Candle 79 was a pioneer in plant-based eating, offering creative and delicious organic vegan cuisine. It attracted a diverse range of customers, from celebrities to first-daters, business partners, and tourists. The restaurant was also a community hub for vegans, with a loyal following of regulars.
The news of its closing broke the hearts of many, especially the vegan community, who considered it a revolution in plant-based cuisine. Candle 79 was more than just a restaurant; it was a place where people created memories. Customers reminisced about wedding celebrations, marriage proposals, and first dates. The restaurant's impact extended beyond its delicious food, leaving a lasting mark on the lives of those who walked through its doors.
In the Facebook post announcing the closure, the owners expressed their sadness and gratitude, reflecting on how the restaurant had contributed to a revolution in spirit and lifestyle. They thanked their employees and guests, acknowledging the honor of serving them and being a part of their celebrations. The post also mentioned their other vegan eateries, Candle Cafe and Candle Cafe West, which remain open and continue to offer plant-based options to customers.
Candle 79's legacy lives on in the hearts of those who experienced it. Its closure on December 31, 2019, marked the end of an era, but the impact it had on the vegan community and the culinary world will be remembered. The restaurant's innovative and delicious offerings inspired a movement toward plant-based eating, leaving a lasting impression on the culinary landscape.
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The closure was due to real estate developments in Manhattan's Upper East Side
Candle 79, a beloved vegan restaurant in Manhattan's Upper East Side, closed its doors on December 31, 2019, after 16 years in business. The closure was due to real estate developments in the area.
The restaurant, located on East 79th Street, was a pioneer in plant-based eating, offering a creative and delicious organic vegan menu that attracted a diverse and loyal customer base, including celebrities. It was also known for its intimate and romantic setting, with a gorgeous duplex space and a reasonable wine list.
In a Facebook post announcing the closure, the owners, Bart Potenza and Joy Pierson, expressed their sadness and gratitude, reflecting on how they had witnessed a global shift towards a healthier and more sustainable way of eating during their time in business. They also thanked their employees and guests, stating that it had been their honour to serve them over the years.
The closure of Candle 79 was met with sadness and shock from its patrons, who shared fond memories of the restaurant on social media. Many lamented the loss of a beloved vegan institution, with some expressing frustration towards the real estate developments that led to its closure.
The impact of real estate developments on businesses in Manhattan's Upper East Side is a concern, particularly for independent and long-standing establishments like Candle 79. The area has seen an influx of investment and development, which can drive up rents and change the character of neighbourhoods, sometimes at the expense of beloved local businesses.
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Candle 79 was an upscale vegan restaurant
Candle 79 was highly regarded in the vegan community, with people reminiscing about first dates, wedding celebrations, and marriage proposals at the restaurant. It was also known for its delicious organic vegan cuisine, with specialties including Chef Angel's interpretation of classics like seitan piccata, vegetable paella with smoky seitan sausage, inventive seasonal salads, and decadent chocolate brownie sundaes with house-made vegan ice creams. The restaurant also offered an all-organic and reasonable wine list, as well as intimate romantic wine bar experiences.
In addition to its culinary offerings, Candle 79 played a significant role in the promotion of plant-based eating. Since its opening in 2003, the restaurant had been at the forefront of the movement to bring plant-based eating into the mainstream. The owners of Candle 79 expressed their pride in knowing that their work helped light the fire for a revolution in spirit, with more people embracing a way of eating that is healthier, kinder, and gentler for all.
Despite its success and popularity, Candle 79 served its last customers on New Year's Eve in 2019 due to real estate developments in the area. The restaurant's closing was met with sadness and disappointment from its patrons, who considered it a beloved community hub and an anchor for vegans and non-vegans alike. The news of its closing broke the hearts of many, and it remains a legendary and iconic institution in the vegan community.
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The restaurant was opened by Bart Potenza and Joy Pierson in 2003
Candle 79 was opened by Bart Potenza and Joy Pierson in 2003. The upscale vegan restaurant was the latest venture of the proprietors of the famous Candle Cafe. Potenza and Pierson envisioned an "upscale vegan" oasis, and Candle 79 was born. The restaurant combined creative, beautifully presented, healthful, and delicious organic vegan cuisine with gracious, knowledgeable service in a gorgeous duplex space.
Candle 79 swiftly became a favourite spot for neighbourhood regulars and celebrities like Sir Paul McCartney and Alicia Silverstone. The restaurant was also recognised by OpenTable as one of the 50 best vegetarian restaurants in America.
Before opening Candle 79, Potenza and Pierson opened Candle Café East, the first of the Candle restaurant chain, after winning the lottery. Years later, they won the lottery again, and this allowed them to install a new air-conditioning system in Candle 79, without which the restaurant would have had to close.
In addition to Candle 79 and Candle Café East, Potenza and Pierson also operated Candle Cafe West on the Upper West Side, which closed due to unresolved safety issues with the building. Candle Café East, the flagship restaurant of the group, remains open on Third Avenue and East 75th Street.
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Candle 79 was named one of the best vegetarian restaurants in America
Candle 79, a beloved vegan restaurant in Manhattan's Upper East Side, served its last customers on New Year's Eve in 2019. The restaurant was forced to close due to real estate developments in the area. In October of that year, Candle 79 was named one of the 50 best vegetarian restaurants in America by OpenTable. This prestigious recognition highlighted the restaurant's excellence and its significant contribution to plant-based cuisine.
Candle 79 was established in 2003 by Bart Potenza and Joy Pierson, who also operated other successful vegan eateries in New York City. The restaurant was known for its creative, organic vegan cuisine and intimate, eco-chic atmosphere. It attracted a diverse range of patrons, from celebrities to first-daters, business partners to wide-eyed tourists. The menu featured Chef Angel's innovative interpretations of classics, such as seitan piccata, vegetable paella with smoky seitan sausage, and decadent chocolate brownie sundaes with house-made vegan ice cream. The restaurant also offered a reasonable wine list and intimate romantic wine bar, making it a popular choice for special occasions.
Being named one of the best vegetarian restaurants in America was a testament to Candle 79's exceptional quality and impact on the culinary world. The recognition by OpenTable, based on over 30,000 reviews, validated the restaurant's dedication to delicious and healthy plant-based cuisine. Candle 79's inclusion on this prestigious list not only honoured its culinary excellence but also its contribution to the growing movement towards plant-based eating. The restaurant played a pivotal role in making veganism more accessible, desirable, and enjoyable for people from all walks of life.
The closure of Candle 79 after 16 years of operation came as a shock to many, with patrons sharing their fond memories of the restaurant. The outpouring of grief and nostalgia following the announcement is a testament to the special experiences and connections forged within its walls. Candle 79's impact extended beyond its delicious cuisine, as it became a community hub and a catalyst for personal connections, celebrations, and even romantic encounters. Its closure left a void not only in the culinary landscape of New York City but also in the hearts of those whose lives it touched.
Candle 79's legacy extends beyond its unfortunate closure, as it inspired and influenced the vegan community and cuisine at large. Its recognition as one of the best vegetarian restaurants in America solidified its place in the culinary world and ensured its impact would endure. While the physical space may be gone, the memories, flavours, and spirit of Candle 79 continue to resonate with those who experienced its magic.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Candle 79 closed on December 31, 2019, due to real estate developments in Manhattan’s Upper East Side neighborhood.
The closure was due to real estate developments in Manhattan’s Upper East Side neighborhood, where the new owner of the property is an entity called East 79th Street Development LLC.
Candle 79 was a vegan restaurant in New York City. It was opened in 2003 by Bart Potenza and Joy Pierson, who also operated vegan eateries Candle Cafe and Candle Cafe West.
Candle 79 was a beloved and iconic vegan restaurant in New York City. It was named one of the best vegetarian eateries in the country and was known for its delicious and organic vegan cuisine. The restaurant attracted a diverse and hungry global fan base, including celebrities like Sir Paul McCartney and Alicia Silverstone.
