The Brian Lehrer Show Saying Goodbye (And Hello) to Beloved Businesses
Dec 24, 2025
Listeners share heartfelt memories of beloved businesses that closed in 2025, like NYC eateries and local pharmacies. Some mourn the loss of spots like Swing 46, while others celebrate new favorites like Baba's Pierogies and Cafe Broom. The conversation highlights the emotional impact of closures on communities and the joy of welcoming new establishments. A rich tapestry of nostalgia and hope weaves through tales of shifting neighborhoods and their vibrant offerings.
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Missing Personal Connections At Chain Stores
- Brian Lehrer recalls a local Rite Aid pharmacist who administered his COVID vaccines and provided personal service.
- He says he misses the people and small interactions more than the chain itself.
Longstanding Neighborhood Staples Are Vulnerable
- Multiple longtime NYC restaurants and bars closed in 2025, from 21-year Marlowe & Sons to 76-year Hector's Cafe and Diner.
- These closures highlight how even deeply rooted neighborhood staples are vulnerable today.
Closures Disrupt Local Rituals
- Beyond restaurants, iconic specialty stores and department locations also closed, including a Queens German butcher and Macy's branches.
- The loss affects rituals like holiday shopping or buying specialty foods that anchored neighborhoods.