Sunset Park's 'Avocado Bar' Opens — And Runs Out Of Avocados

SUNSET PARK, BROOKLYN — A new restaurant in Sunset Park that bills itself as the "world's first avocado bar" opened its doors to customers on Monday — and promptly ran out of avocados.

Started by three 20-something Italians who discovered their love for avocados in Mexico, Avocaderia promised to offer unique menu options around the green fruit, including smoothies, salads and toasts.

Their announcement that they were coming to the trendy Industry City waterfront development — as well as their "world's first" claim, which probably isn't true — got them plenty of press, including from The New York Times (and your friendly neighborhood Sunset Park Patch).

Monday's opening, at their store on 36th Street near the water front, was a big success — or failure, depending on how you look at it.

"It was unexpected," co-owner Francesco Brachetti told Patch by phone after the store had closed Tuesday, laughing as he recalled the crush of people who lined up outside of their store Monday and ran them dry of avocados.

"We knew people were going to like the concept. But they really loved what we offered them. Some people, they just ordered one of everything straight away. So we were a bit outnumbered by the love of people, basically."

Avocado shortage aside, Brachetti said the first two days of business have been great.

"We had a lot of people coming over," he said. "We are very happy with the customers and I think people are happy about Avocaderia, visiting the space, trying out the new menu. It’s been pretty exciting."

He estimated that the restaurant served about 200 people in three hours on Monday. (The store had to close early because of the shortage.) And about the same number over a full day Tuesday.

And they're enjoying the space at Industry City.

"All of the tenants and people that are working here are mainly manufacturers or designers or media companies," he said. "There’s a lot of innovation going on."

Lead image courtesy Avocaderia