In a city that never sleeps, change is inevitable. 2025 was no exception as beloved businesses across all five boroughs of New York City ceased operations, leaving behind a trail of nostalgia and memories for fans who had grown up with them.
On Staten Island, the loss of Classic Pizza, a Richmond institution since 1989, has left its community reeling. The family-owned pizzeria closed in June after 36 years, sparking an outpouring of support from those who knew Brandon Rocchio, the current owner, was leaving for health reasons. "You never know what you're walking into in the morning," Rocchio said on a podcast, highlighting the stresses that come with owning a restaurant. Luckily, Classic Pizza's legacy lives on at nearby rival Pizza Mia.
Meanwhile, in the Bronx, Corner Furniture, an iconic 50,000-square-foot store since 1972, has announced it will be liquidating its inventory after its building went up for sale. The store, often cited as the best furniture store in the Bronx by locals, is offering deep discounts on its remaining stock ahead of a permanent closure expected early next year.
Brooklyn's Marlow & Sons, a beloved hub for foodies and socialites since 2004, has closed its doors after 21 years. Founded as a humble grocery store with a side hustle as a restaurant, the spot became synonymous with Williamsburg's artsy vibe. "It was all about the dancers," said owner Andrew Tarlow, reflecting on the lively atmosphere that attracted people from far and wide.
In Manhattan, the legendary Swing 46 Jazz and Supper Club has announced its final New Year's Eve performance after a 28-year run in Times Square. The club, known for its big band music and dance nights, will be missed by many who've danced under its iconic lights since 1997. "It was all about the dancers," said owner John Akhtar, hinting at the reason behind the closure.
Lastly, in Queens, Zum Stammtisch, a German food staple since 1972, has shut down its pork store while keeping its restaurant operational. The business's decision to close came as a shock to fans who had grown fond of the apple strudel and other traditional dishes on offer.
These closures serve as poignant reminders that nothing lasts forever in this ever-changing city. Yet even as businesses rise and fall, memories linger, leaving behind a rich tapestry of stories for New Yorkers to cherish.
On Staten Island, the loss of Classic Pizza, a Richmond institution since 1989, has left its community reeling. The family-owned pizzeria closed in June after 36 years, sparking an outpouring of support from those who knew Brandon Rocchio, the current owner, was leaving for health reasons. "You never know what you're walking into in the morning," Rocchio said on a podcast, highlighting the stresses that come with owning a restaurant. Luckily, Classic Pizza's legacy lives on at nearby rival Pizza Mia.
Meanwhile, in the Bronx, Corner Furniture, an iconic 50,000-square-foot store since 1972, has announced it will be liquidating its inventory after its building went up for sale. The store, often cited as the best furniture store in the Bronx by locals, is offering deep discounts on its remaining stock ahead of a permanent closure expected early next year.
Brooklyn's Marlow & Sons, a beloved hub for foodies and socialites since 2004, has closed its doors after 21 years. Founded as a humble grocery store with a side hustle as a restaurant, the spot became synonymous with Williamsburg's artsy vibe. "It was all about the dancers," said owner Andrew Tarlow, reflecting on the lively atmosphere that attracted people from far and wide.
In Manhattan, the legendary Swing 46 Jazz and Supper Club has announced its final New Year's Eve performance after a 28-year run in Times Square. The club, known for its big band music and dance nights, will be missed by many who've danced under its iconic lights since 1997. "It was all about the dancers," said owner John Akhtar, hinting at the reason behind the closure.
Lastly, in Queens, Zum Stammtisch, a German food staple since 1972, has shut down its pork store while keeping its restaurant operational. The business's decision to close came as a shock to fans who had grown fond of the apple strudel and other traditional dishes on offer.
These closures serve as poignant reminders that nothing lasts forever in this ever-changing city. Yet even as businesses rise and fall, memories linger, leaving behind a rich tapestry of stories for New Yorkers to cherish.
they had the best slices since i was a kid my family used to take me there all the time it's crazy that it closed after 36 years 
but at least pizza mia is still open and serving up those same delicious slices 
It's like, you can't just put a price on the memories we make with our favorite places 
. I mean, who doesn't have a special story about Classic Pizza or Corner Furniture? Those family-owned businesses are truly part of the fabric of our city 
. But at the same time, I'm all about that mindfulness life and embracing change 
. It's just the circle of life, you know? New things come up, old ones fade away 
. Let's make sure to cherish those memories while we can, though! 
. I mean, Classic Pizza on Staten Island was a staple for so long, and now it's just a memory 
. I remember going there with my family as a kid and getting those huge slices of pizza that would last me till bedtime 
. It's crazy how something that brought us so much joy can disappear in an instant.
. I've been to Corner Furniture like five times and never felt overwhelmed by it 
. Andrew Tarlow's passion project was always so infectious, and the atmosphere at Marlow's was just electric 
. I'll definitely miss going there to grab lunch or meet up with friends.
. Times Square will never be the same without that iconic club lighting up the night sky 
. It's crazy how some places can become so ingrained in our culture that we don't even realize they're there until they're gone 
. Who knew a little German restaurant could bring so much joy to Queens? 
marlow & sons in brooklyn though...that place was like a gathering spot for artists and foodies alike what's gonna happen to all those people who loved that spot? and swing 46 jazz club in manhattan has been around since 1997...28 years is a long time 
i just wish we could somehow keep some of these memories alive even if the businesses themselves are gone
. it just goes to show that even the most beloved spots will eventually fade away. but at least we've got some amazing memories to hold onto 
. Zum Stammtisch shutting down was a bummer, though - apple strudel is my weakness 
, especially when it comes to Classic Pizza on Staten Island 
. And Corner Furniture in the Bronx is crazy too, I've never seen a store go out like that, it's like they just shut down overnight 
. But at the same time, it's good to see these places get a chance to pass on their legacy to other businesses, like Pizza Mia and Zum Stammtisch 
.