The Covid-19 Pandemic has been a serious detriment to the operations of restaurants across the city. Even today, dozens of promising new restaurants are forced to shut down regardless of their potential for success. While many restaurants have successfully pivoted to a more adaptable to-go model, businesses that rely on in-person attendance haven’t had the option of being able to offer their services on-the-go.
Performance venues have seen especially dismal prospects over the past two years. Live performances have been the lifeblood of New York since the city’s infancy, and the perpetual shuttering of the city’s best venues has chilled its artistic scene to the core, keeping artists and performers in a constant state of uncertainty. While new restaurants have been slowly reemerging in New York’s (fingers crossed) post-Covid era, the city’s once-bustling performance venues have proved less resilient.
One of the East Village’s biggest losses was the shuttering of UCB East, the East Village stage for New York’s popular comedy troupe The Upright Citizens Brigade. The incubator of illustrious stars like Kate McKinnon, Aubrey Plaza, and Donald Glover, UCB was one of the most important organizations in the New York Comedy Scene. Founded by Amy Poehler, Matt Besser, Matt Walsh, and Ian Roberts, UCB operated multiple venues across Manhattan that have all since closed by the time of writing. While UCB still operates a theatre in Los Angeles and runs classes online, all of their New York locations have closed for good.
Thankfully, an ambitious entrepreneur is trying to bring new life to the former UCB East Theatre (known to fans as UC Beast). Brendan McElroy is a nightlife professional and popular “Mac Doctor.” The owner of St. Mark’s-based mac repair shop Dr. Brendan, McElroy proved his hospitality expertise when he relaunched St Dymphna’s with owner Eric Baker. Always looking for new projects, Brendan later launched an experimental gallery called Juice, right next to his mac repair shop.
Now, it appears that Brendan and his team are now preparing to debut a brand new concept at the former UCB East at 44 Avenue A. While the available information is scant, Brendan describes his new concept as a “Band rehearsal space with a bar and restaurant,” though he has not specified the kind of food he intends to serve. The building is well-equipped for a rehearsal space, already outfitted with a 99-seat theatre and two distinct bars. Brendan is applying for a beer, wine, and cider license, and should hopefully hear back from the community board within the next month.
