Two Small Businesses in Sunnyside Shutter Permanently While A Popular Irish Bar Reopens

Bliss 46 Bistro, located at 43-46 46th St. (Queens Post)

Nov. 30, 2020 By Michael Dorgan

Two small businesses in Sunnyside have shuttered permanently in the midst of the COVID-19 economic crisis while a bar on Queens Boulevard that closed in March has re-opened under a new name.

Bliss 46 Bistro, located at 43-46 46th St., closed Sunday after a nine-year run, according to a statement put out by the operators over the weekend.

The statement, which was released through Sunnyside Shines Saturday, did not specify the reason for the closure although it cited the recent loss of its former owner Deodoro Monge.

Monge, who also worked as the restaurant’s chef, died from complications with COVID-19 in April.

“We would like to thank each and every one of you for supporting my father’s business throughout the years,” the statement reads. “We are very grateful that my father had the chance to see his dream of opening his own restaurant come true.”

Monge had operated the restaurant since 2011 and it had become a favorite for many locals who sought French food.

The news of the closure was particularly hard given that the family lost Deodoro in the spring, according to Sunnyside Shines.

“The Monge’s have always been incredibly kind and generous members of the community and Bliss 46 Bistro is a treasured favorite of many,” the BID posted on Instagram.

A second local small business also shuttered permanently over the weekend.

KMIA Salon, located at 45-14 Queens Blvd., closed for good Saturday according to a statement by the company.

The operators cited COVID-19 as the reason for the closure. Salons have been hit particularly hard during the pandemic since they can only offer services indoors.

“This really hurts. Due to COVID-19, we can no longer continue to do what we love in Sunnyside,” the statement reads.

“To all those who helped cultivate our salon culture, or made the conscious effort to financially support us, we thank you.”

The salon had been operating for at least six years according to Google reviews. It had offered a wide range of hair services to men and women and also provided nail and make-up options.

KMIA Salon, located at 45-14 Queens Blvd. (Queens Post)

Meanwhile, a well-known Irish bar has re-opened under new ownership and a new name.

The Gaslight, located at 43-17 Queens Blvd., shuttered in March due to coronavirus restrictions but re-opened last week as “The Goat.”

The establishment has undergone a modern facelift with the exterior now sporting a dark navy façade while the inside has been refurbished to look more trendy.

Tables have been placed alongside the main counter as a workaround to over-the-counter restrictions. Under current restrictions, alcohol is only permitted to be served at tables and not directly over-the-counter.