Three Years After Its NYC Comeback, Beloved Vegan Restaurant Candle Is Closing Again

Candle Cafe, a beloved vegan institution in New York City, is set to close after facing financial challenges exacerbated by the current economic climate. Chef Jorge Pineda, who announced the closure on Instagram, expressed gratitude to loyal customers but cited the rising costs of food, gas, and employees as reasons for the shutdown. The closure marks the end of an era for the Candle brand, which had a long history in the city dating back to the early 1990s.

Despite previous closures of Candle restaurants in recent years due to various circumstances, Pineda and Angel Ramos successfully revived the restaurant in 2023 with a new location on Third Avenue. The restaurant quickly regained popularity for its plant-based cuisine, bringing back beloved dishes from the chain's heyday. While Candle is closing again, Pineda remains optimistic about the future and expressed gratitude for the support the restaurant has received over the years.