Le Grand Triage, the popular Upper East Side liquor shop known not only for its selection of wines and spirts but also its tastings, classes and monthly wine club, is set to close its doors in the coming weeks due to the planned demolition of its building, which Upper East Site reported late last year.
“Like others in the neighborhood, our building will be demolished and we are planning to move to another space,” wrote Le Grand Triage team in a goodbye message on its website, adding that it has “been actively looking for another location and hope to reopen as soon as possible.”
Last November, Upper East Site reported that Le Grand Triage, which means ‘The Great Selection’ in French, was among a dozen Upper East Side small businesses losing their longtime storefronts at the corner of East 86th Street and First Avenue.
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Demolition plans filed with the City for low rise buildings at the location, including 1657 First Avenue, which the liquor store has called home since 2015.
While ownership searches for a new space, Le Grand Triage is already warning customers they won’t be back open immediately, noting it’s not just possible for a business requiring licensing with the New York State State Liquor Authority.
“Unfortunately, there are many bureaucratic hoops to jump through when a liquor license is involved, so there will be a guaranteed interruption of service after we reluctantly close our doors,” the message continues.
As for their wine club, Le Grand Triage says February will be the last month until they reopen and all active memberships will be put on pause after next month.
“This news has been a hard pill for all of us to swallow,” said the Le Grand Triage Team, “we hope you’ll support us by wishing us a BON VOYAGE this month!”
Billing itself as an educational center for wines and spirits with a decorated staff and exceptional customer service, Le Grand Triage succeeded in its goal to highlight the “social side of wine.”
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To say goodbye, the store is planning deep discounts and a number of special events over the the coming weeks, including a customer party scheduled for Saturday, February 18th. Details of which are expected to be released shorty.
“You guys are just far and away the best wine spot in the neighborhood,” wrote customer Ian Wallace in a comment on Instagram, “Will miss you … but excited to see what you come back with.”
Le Grand Triage’s final day at its First Avenue location will be Sunday, February 26th.
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