Popular Forest Hills bakery Bonelle to close after all

According to the Queens Chronicle the Ascan Avenue Bonelle Pastry Shop, one of the older bakeries in Forest Hills, will close in January. This, after a local outcry by Forest Hills residents who have treasured the small independent shop for decades. There was even a petition signed by hundreds of shoppers to try to keep it open. But the manager now says they will have to close their doors. Read all about it here: Bonelle Pastry Shop in Forest Hills to close in January

Bonelle Gets a Reprieve

In case you haven't heard already, The Daily News has reported that the Bonelle pastry shop may not be about to be evicted after all:

Sweet! Bonelle Pastry Shop in Forest Hills remains open while a new lease deal is hashed out

The popular bakery on Ascan Ave. in Forest Hills was set to lose its lease at the end of December. But a strong public outcry to keep the beloved pastry shop open may have convinced the landlord to work out a deal.

Remaking the Corner of Ascan and Austin

Corner of Ascan and Austin

So that quiet, beautiful part of Austin Street diagonally across from the church is in for some big changes, according to various guesses, reports and rumors that are circulating. Ever since the convenience store on the corner shut down a couple of months ago, there's been a lot of speculation as to what will replace it. The floor plans I've seen in fact, go way beyond just that store, carving a large chunk out of that entire corner which includes shops facing both Austin and Ascan. And one of those businesses impacted is Bonelle, a pastry shop that has been around for years and years and is extremely popular with FoHi'ers who have lived here for a long time.

Personally, I've never been a big fan. I've been to Bonelle and found the store very tired-looking and in need of a big-time renovation. Now, I'm a big meal guy and really don't have much of a sweet-tooth. So, I am really not anyone to judge pastries or deserts in general. And honestly I have no recollection whether I liked the pastries I had at Bonelle or didn't. But so many long-time residents absolutely love the place, that there must be something to it.

So.... if you are one of them, stop by Bonelle some time this holiday season and show them some love. I'm told they have a petition going to try to convince the landlord to not evict them which you can sign.

As for that corner, what's coming in there? I've heard everything from the Cafe Benne chain to Dunkin' Donuts. Personally, if it has to be a coffee shop like that (which I don't see the reason for since 1) We have the fabulous La Boulangerie a block away, and 2) it will in my opinion negatively impact what is one of the most charming corners on all of Austin St. and maybe in our neighborhood) my choice hands down is the more upscale Cafe Benne. But I am hearing more and more each week that it will probably be a DD... shame...lost potential of a really nice spot in our nabe.

The long-time Bonelle Pastry Shop is closing by next year, evicted by the landlord due to rising rents