Hell’s Kitchen is losing another restaurant. Mont Blanc on W52nd Street between 8/9th Avenue will close on Monday, September 28.
“It is with great sadness and disappointment that due to the pandemic, we must close our doors,” said longtime restaurant manager, Maria Lohmeyer. “Thank you to everyone who ate and drank and befriended us over the years. It has been an honor to serve the community of Hell’s Kitchen, Broadway, and the world.”
Back in May 2016, the Swiss-Austrian restaurant closed at its original location on W48th Street after a 5-year battle to stay open. Mont Blanc had been in the neighborhood for over 30 years at that point.
Balz Eggimann, a Swiss banker, became the owner of the new venture, and Maria came back as day-to-day manager when the new business Mont Blanc 52 opened in October 2016.
The announcement on social media last night has provoked an outpouring from regular customers.
“I’ll never forget the wonderful people of Mont Blanc: Maria, Willi, Peter (!) David C, Victor, all the past cooks, and servers, but mostly the warm family welcome every time I walked in the door with family and friends,” said Mary Grabowski. “My heart is broken, and I will never forget Mont Blanc and especially Maria. I hope you enjoy a well-deserved retirement. Auf wiedersehen und ich liebe dich.”
Sharon D from Florida said: “This is heartbreaking. I lived in NJ but always went to Mont Blanc as many times as I could. My love goes to Maria who always made us feel like this was my neighborhood restaurant. Handling my big group every year in Feb for my birthday.”
“I’m so sad to hear this. My favorite place to gather with friends. We’ll miss you and how lovely you always were to us,” said Derek Jech.