829 Franklin Avenue (near Union), formerly a grocery deli

As readers are aware, this bodega is now closed and a work permit is up.     In order to determine whether a restaurant was in the works, I found the link to the permit.

However, my results are inconclusive.   ...they might be just building a renovated bodega.

 "APPLICATION FILE TO EXIST. DAILY STORE INTERIOR RENOVATION INCLUDING FLOOR, CEILING FINISHES, RELOCATE HOOD, REPLACE OF EXISTING STORE FRONT WITH NEW AND MINOR PLUMBING WORK AS PER PLAN. NO CHANGE IN USE, OCCUPANCY OR EGRESS."

http://a810-bisweb.nyc.gov/bisweb/JobsQueryByNumberServlet?requestid=2&passjobnumber=321229620&passdocnumber=01

This storefront will return as an upscale bodega.

The same operators will operate it.

whynot_31 said:

This storefront will return as an upscale bodega. The same operators will operate it.

Love how the word "gourmet" automatically means upscale.  

(My tongue was planted firmly in cheek.)

In many instances, existing businesses lack the skill and the capital to serve the "new neighborhood".

These owners want to be an exception.

...and might pull it off.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kuuYvQsN-ak

I'm just adding this shot of the block from a few months ago, and will add an updated shot when I can.

...the dollar store might be next to go.

opened about a week ago.

I noticed it was open on Sunday. Nice, shiny interior.

I think at this point it's a prerequisite that every new business in the area have the words gourmet, organic, or wholesome in the name.