Closure of Iconic Diner in Meatpacking District

The famed diner featured in the film “Taxi Driver,” Hector’s Cafe and Diner, is set to close as part of a deal with the city.

This 76-year-old establishment, located under the High Line, will shut its doors on Friday following the departure of a local butcher who was a supplier. This move paves the way for the city to develop affordable housing and public spaces in the area.

Owner Nick Capelonis expressed frustration, saying, “If we were making money, we would kick and scream. But we are barely surviving.” He noted the deep connections they’ve built with patrons over the years, adding, “We know their first and last names, even their kids’ names. People in their 60s and 70s come in and say, ‘My grandfather brought me here.’”

Hector’s was part of a larger agreement made last August between the city and the New York City Economic Development Corporation. A butcher from Gansevoort Market Co-op was “elected” for closure to facilitate this agreement.

The city, aiming to transform Gansevoort Square into a 66,000-square-foot development, plans to include mixed-income housing, public spaces, and an expansion of the Whitney Museum’s American Art collection. A representative mentioned that a residential site developer will be chosen by the end of 2025, with the city’s land review processes wrapping up by 2027.

A spokesperson from City Hall indicated that the administration collaborated with current tenants, concluding it was time to depart from what has been a 24/7 community hub for New Yorkers.

Although Hector’s Cafe has a lease that runs until 2033, Capelonis feels that the business won’t completely recover from the effects of COVID-19. The decline in both tourism and foot traffic has been apparent.

Local patrons expressed disbelief at the diner’s impending closure. Regular customer Tony Mellis, an electrician, stated, “I’m not sure where else I’ll find breakfast around here. We always come here for lunch… sometimes you even get a discount.” He pondered where the community would go once it’s gone.

Hector’s Cafe & Diner, which opened in 1949 and was taken over by the Capelonis family in 1984, has been a beloved local fixture, even appearing in Scorsese’s “Taxi Driver” and several episodes of “Law and Order.”

Customer Jane Aiello reflected on the cultural loss, saying, “We’re losing our New York spirit. It’s completely gone. Affordable prices are disappearing, and places like this are becoming extinct.”

Despite the challenges, Capelonis suggested that Hector’s story might not be finished just yet. After taking a much-needed break this summer, he plans to search for a new location. “We’re going to find another spot,” he shared. “Rent is daunting, so getting in touch with potential landlords can be a different scenario.” He added, “Just give me some time.”