Astoria Teen Launches GoFundMe to Help Pay For School After Losing Parents to COVID-19

Image via Roberto Tobias’ GoFundMe. Astoria teen Roberto Tobias Jr., a rising senior at Frank McCourt High School, has launched a GoFundMe after losing both parents to COVID-19. Tobias’ entire family contracted the virus at the beginning of March with Roberto Tobias Sr. and Loida Tobias unfortunately losing their lives due to complications from COVID-19 in…

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Astoria Baker Alex Taketzis Donates $1770 During Bakers Against Racism Sale

All images courtesy of Alex Taketzis/From The Kitchen of Alex. As the world continues to shine a spotlight on racial issues, and support the black community, Astorian’s continue to look for new ways to help the cause. One of our very own, Alexandra Taketzis (from @fromthekitchenofalex on Instagram), has participated in the Bakers Against Racism…

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Astoria Key Food to Permanently Close

Image via Google Maps. Astoria Key Food, located at 22-15 31st St., will be permanently closing its doors this October.  Unlike recent business closures in the neighborhood, Key Food will not be closing due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but rather because of an ongoing redevelopment proposal. According to an article published by The Real Deal,…

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Don Coqui Astoria Has Closed

Photo by @cheersmydear. After nearly 10 years in the neighborhood, Don Coqui Astoria has permanently closed. The restaurant/bar was the only Queens location of the Don Coqui chain. Located at 28-18 31st St., Don Coqui Astoria faced its share of difficulties recently between the COVID-19 shutdown and a burglary in March. As of now, there…

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Fire at Location of The Grand

Photo via Katarina Kost. A fire broke out at 37-01 30th Avenue yesterday evening at approximately 8PM. The location, also home to cafe-bar The Grand, was forced to evacuate. The fire broke out on the fourth floor of the building. Fortunately, no injuries or serious damage have been reported. This is a developing story…

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Three Astoria Bar/Restaurants Permanently Closed Following COVID-19

Photo by Clem Onojeghuo. The sudden and ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in the unfortunate closure of numerous businesses throughout the city. Hit particularly hard was the food & service industry, which was forced to rely upon delivery and takeout for nearly three months, until outdoor dining was permitted during Phase 2 of New York…

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How’s Phase Two Treating You?

A week into Phase 2 of reopening in Astoria, and there seems to be tons of mixed opinions amongst our community members. Let’s look at this old school debate style, and get out everyone’s pros and cons on the table. On the positive side, people are excited to finally be back to some kind of…

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Be Kind To Each Other, Astoria: A Message From The Thirsty Koala

Owner/Chef of The Thirsty Koala, Katherine Fuchs. As phase two begins in Astoria, there seems to be a lack of direction and divided opinions in regards to the COVID19 situation. Thirsty Koalas owner Katherine Fuchs describes these frustrations as additional difficulties in keeping a business alive during the pandemic. The rules and regulations of reopening…

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New York City’s Phase 2 Reopening Begins Today!

Image by Tim Savage. New York City is set to begin its Phase 2 reopening today, June 22nd. The city has reached another milestone in the decline in positive COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations and can therefore enact Phase 2. Industries that will be back to business include hair salons, retail, and business offices. However, proper…

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Reopening Kaufman Astoria Studios: A Conversation with Hal Rosenbluth, President/CEO

Image via Kaufman Astoria Studios Facebook. Kaufman Astoria Studios (KAS), located at 34-12 36th St., has become one of Hollywood’s go-to destinations for some of the largest names in the film and television industry. Today, KAS offers industry professionals over 500,000 sq.ft. of space for sound stages, production, and service, and employs thousands. So, as…

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