Tuck Shop To Shutter East Village Location On Sept. 25: Owner

EAST VILLAGE, NY — Australian meat pie chain Tuck Shop is shuttering it's East Village location after 13 years in the neighborhood, the owner told Patch.

Tuck Shop will close its East First Street shop between First and Second avenues on Tuesday, Sept. 25 followed by its Chelsea Market and Midtown locations by the end of the month. Mounting costs, including rent and insurance, have made it difficult for the popular Aussie pie spot to turn a profit, the owner said.

“Its just difficult to run a business in New York, it’s becoming increasingly harder to make any money — it’s a number of factors,” Niall Grant told Patch. “We prospered, we did well for a while and it’s a pity, but we have to go.”

Tuck Shop is known for its line up of $8 pies with classics such as traditional beef, Guinness steak and mushroom, and chicken pot pie; but it's also popular for its creative spin on the Aussie staple including Thai chicken curry, mac n' cheese and veggie chili flavors.

Grant's chief concern is finding jobs for his kitchen staff, some of whom have been with Tuck Shop for nearly a decade. He also wanted to ensure that customers had a chance to say goodbye to the eatery and its staff before they close up shop.

“What I didn’t want to do is close and put a note up on the door," said Grant. "I want people to come and say goodbye."

Tuck Shop at 68 East First St. is open Monday through Thursday from 10-2 a.m. and on Friday and Saturdays from 1-10 p.m until Sept. 25

Photos courtesy of Tuck Shop