By Bill Parry
When Kaufman Astoria Studios began construction on its new outdoor soundstage in July, 5 Napkin Burger manager Jim Coughlin watched from across the street.
“We’re told it will create more jobs and increase tourism, and if it brings more traffic to the area, that’s great,” he said.
Coughlin never got the chance to find out.
He quietly went out of business, closing for good Monday after three years at 35-01 36th St. The owners of the small but popular chain were vague on why they closed the location is Astoria.
“It was a hard decision to make as we have enjoyed being part of the community, but we are eager now to focus on other growth opportunities for 5 Napkin Burger in New York City and beyond,” the statement read.
“Given its location across from the studio, the Museum of the Moving Image and just up the street from the Frank Sinatra High School of the Performing Arts, a lot of people are trying to figure out why it didn’t do well at that corner,” said Meg Cotner, author of “The Food Lovers’ Guide to Queens.” “There is a significant increase in burger joints around Astoria these days. Maybe it was the competition that might have driven them away.”
The owners of 5 Napkin Burger said most of the staff would be reassigned.
“On a positive note, many of our valued team members will be joining us at one of our three Manhattan locations or at our sister Tour de France restaurant,” the statement said.
5 Napkin Burger has three Manhattan locations with the original in Hell’s Kitchen, one on the Upper West Side and another in Union Square.
No word on what might replace 5 Napkin Burger, but Cotner knows what she would like to see there.
“I hope somebody gets it together and opens a regional Chinese restaurant. That would be nice,” she said.
Reach reporter Bill Parry by e-mail at bparry@cnglocal.com or by phone at 718-260-4538.
