FIPS Exclusive: Press 195 closing; Zito's opening in its spot

[ORIGINAL IMAGES VIA ERICISAAC.COM / SEAMLESS.COM]

Well folks, I've got good news and bad news.

First, the bad news. After 10 years in the hood, Press 195 is closing its Park Slope location. Owners Brian Karp, Chris Evans, and Jimmy Volz are packing up shop on the flagship location of their popular sandwich chain to focus on their other locations in Bayside, Queens, and Rockville Centre, Long Island. Press plans to close on June 8, so catch their signature burgers, knishes, and pressed sandwiches in the neighborhood while you still can.

Now for the good news. Press 195's location won't be vacant for very long, because Park Slope's newest sandwich sensation, ZITO'S SANDWICH SHOPPE, has agreed to takeover the location, which means they'll be bringing their banging sandwiches (and killer sides) down to 5th Avenue. This news comes from Zito's owners Marcello Bucca and Enzo Conigliaro, who say that if all goes well with permits and whatnot, they could be up and running as soon as June 18.

That's a short turnaround time, but it should be enough to allow Zito's a quick remodel with new signage and maybe a coat of paint. When they do open, we can expect to see Zito's classic menu alongside new items not found in their other location. The restaurant will remain sit-down service with extended, late-night hours on weekends. Owners Marcello Bucca and Enzo Conigliaro say they hope the entire staff will remain the same. 

This will be the second new location for Zito's in the Slope. That's a lot of expansion when you think about the fact that their current location on 7th Avenue hasn't even been opened a year.

While I'll surely miss Press 195 (that pure maple syrup basil pesto was the shit), I'm glad to hear Zito's is occupying the space. Not only do I basically want to marry every one of their sandwiches, but I'm glad I don't have to spend all this time wondering who the fuck is going to take over the space (I would have campaigned pretty hard for a salad place, and probably been pissed when it didn't happen). Plus, I appreciate that Zito's is a quality spot in the neighborhood, that was started in the neighborhood, and is expanding in the neighborhood. I would much rather see them than another Five Guys or Cheeburger, Cheeburger.

But what do you guys think? Are you sad to see Press 195 go? Excited for more Zito's? Hungry for dinner now that I've been talking about all this food?

Comments

[S.]

Dude, what the fuck. Press is 100000000 x better than Zito's. Worst day ever.