Visibly absent from the outdoor dining scene in Larchmont is Polpettina, which never reopened after shuttering in March.
“On top of being faced with the coronavirus pandemic, we have also not seen eye to eye with the landlord,” the owners write on Instagram. “We sincerely appreciate your continued overwhelming support over the years and especially now.”
Their Eastchester location is open, and the post hints at a new location in the area soon.
I love Polpettina and I wish the Larchmont landlords would be more accommodating. It sounds like this is the same reason we are losing Auray. The inflexibility of absentee landlords is why many storefronts remain empty and now beloved local restaurants are closing. This is really hurting our community and I wish they would take the long view and be more negotiable in a pandemic.
If you were the landlord how would you accommodate?
Not that I have any details, but shouldn’t they lower the rent? Inside commercial space is worth a lot less in a pandemic than it was before. Why do landlords assume they should get pre-pandemic rates? Fact is this space is worth less now, and I would rather protect our small businesses and downtowns than commercial real estate investors.
I would have a bit of compassion and do what is necessary to keep them in place. Perhaps a profit share in lieu of rent during these challenging times.
It will cost you more to replace them, renovate the space, and pay transaction fees at the end of the day anyway.
Polpetinna is a local favorite and was always one of the most active restaurants. This owner is decimating the energy of this street by adding another significant vacancy.
So, so bummed about this. A favorite go-to of ours for sure.
Sorry to see you go. The food , service and atmosphere was always great. Best of luck in your future endeavors!!!🥰