Douglaston Market Closes Its Doors

Community leaders said they were saddened to hear that The Douglaston Market, a popular eatery along 235th Street near the neighborhood’s Long Island Rail Road station, closed last week.

The market, which was operated by Douglaston's Diego von Schmeling, was a neighborhood hot spot, drawing local residents for lunch and LIRR commuters for a cup of morning coffee on their way to the train.

“I think the market was a key part of the rebuilding of Douglaston Village,” said Greg Ronan, president of the Douglas Manor Civic Association. “It was a gathering spot. People were always coming in and out. It’s a loss. I hope they find a replacement.”

The market, located at 40-39 235th St., was closed at the beginning of the month. The eatery’s doors remained shuttered yesterday and a security gate covered the storefront. Some equipment had been removed from the premises.

Von Schmeling could not be reached for comment.

The market had been shut down last month following an April 19 inspection, according to the city’s Department of Health.

At the time of the April 19 inspection, the eatery was given a failing grade with a total 78 violation points. Violations carry a weight of seven points apiece if they are considered to be a public health hazard.

Inspectors discovered that cold food items, including smoked fish, were being stored at above 41 degrees, according to the agency. In addition, inspectors found insufficient refrigeration for “potentially hazardous foods."

The department also issued violations after discovering evidence of mice in the market’s food areas as well as improperly installed and maintained plumbing.

The market addressed the violations and reopened.

Upon returning on April 26, inspectors found that the building’s plumbing was still not functioning properly. The agency issued six violation points during the second inspection.

On June 4, the city’s Department of Buildings received a complaint of after hours construction work at the site, according to that agency's website.

It is unclear whether Von Schmeling intends to reopen the market. But community leaders said they were disheartened to hear that the eatery had been shuttered.

“All the mothers and kids from the public school hung out there,” said Philip Mitropoulos of students from nearby P.S. 98. “Everyone got their coffee there. It was a popular spot in the afternoon.”

Susan Seinfeld, district manager for Community Board 11, said she knew people who had stopped at the market for coffee every morning for years. The eatery also previously provided space for the Douglaston Chamber of Commerce’s meetings.

Douglas Montgomery, vice president of the neighborhood’s garden club, said The Douglaston Market was the only one of its kind along 235th Street’s shopping strip.

“It was the only place there to walk in to get coffee before you got on the train,” he said. “It’s too bad that it closed.”

The shuttering of the market follows the closing of Little Neck's Scobee Diner, a popular restaurant that operated for more than 40 years along Northern Boulevard, in November.