'I could cry right now.' Mount Vernon residents saddened by planned closing of beloved family business
The popular gathering place on Gramatan Avenue in the Fleetwood section of the city will close permanently on Nov. 30.
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Residents in Mount Vernon say they are saddened upon hearing the news that the much-beloved Maggie Spillane's Ale House will close its doors.
The popular gathering place on Gramatan Avenue in the Fleetwood section of the city will close permanently on Nov. 30.
Owner Tony Spillane explained that a deal couldn't be reached after more than seven months of negotiations with the building's landlord.
"Unfortunately, we were trying our best to turn the corner, try to keep it open, just things didn't work out. It was just sad. Two groups just couldn't agree on terms," he said.
Open since April 2011, Maggie Spillane's is like a second home to many who live nearby.
"I could cry right now," one longtime customer said.
Customer Greg Greenfield compared the situation to a funeral.
"It's a loss for the community and the neighborhood. It's been a mainstay. No matter where you live in Mount Vernon, this is where everyone comes to gather," he said.
The closing of the Gramatan Avenue business means moving the operation and some employees to the family-owned Mickey Spillane's Sports Bar & Restaurant on White Plains Road in Eastchester.
