By Scott Etkin

The highly anticipated Charles Pan-Fried Chicken opened on February 7 on 72nd Street between Columbus and Amsterdam Avenues. There was a “good flow of customers” on day one and on day two business was so good that they “sold out and had to close early,” said Nate, who works there. Currently there’s no online delivery available, though they are hoping to start this via GrubHub next week, Nate said. (You can view the menu and order from the existing location in Harlem.) There’s no seating indoors, but Nate mentioned that they are applying for a permit for outdoor seating this summer. (Thanks to Thomas for the tip.)

Eight Ladles, “NYC’s first soup and cracker bar,” has opened inside of Thyme & Tonic restaurant on Columbus between 82nd and 83rd Streets. The bar is “more of a to-go” option, said Diana, who minds the counter. It offers eight varieties of vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free soups – including Matzah Ball, Butternut Squash and Apple, and Jambalaya – as well as artisanal crackers. Everything is kosher and made in-house. The new brand is under the same ownership as Thyme & Tonic, which also runs the Mediterranean restaurant Arba and bakery Modern Bread & Bagel next door. Delivery is available on Seamless. (Thanks to Lisa for the tip.)

Smoke Jazz & Supper Club, temporarily closed for renovation on Broadway between 105th and 106th Streets, is “getting closer” to reopening. In a note posted to the storefront on February 1, the club wrote that it is “optimistic Smoke will be welcoming you to hear great music in the next couple of months.” The work is to expand the club, an UWS institution since 1999, by “incorporating the two vacant storefronts to the south into a new space where our historic bar will now be located.”

The Starbucks on the corner of 81st and Broadway closed on February 4 for a nine-month renovation. “They have been having lots of problems with the air conditioning and plumbing leaks,” writes tipster Brent, who spoke with a barista there. The entire staff is transferring to re-open the Starbucks between 81st and 82nd Street on Columbus, which has been closed for repairs and remodeling. This location is slated to re-open on February 11. (Thanks also to Lisa for the tip.)

Hudson River Picture Framing, the custom framing shop on 86th Street between Amsterdam and Columbus, has closed. Established in 1985, the store was founded by Alan Dworkowitz, an artist with a BFA from Yale University. (Thanks to Judith for the tip.)

Soha Gourmet Marketplace, a 24-hour convenience and grocery store, has opened on the corner of 96th and West End Avenue, replacing West End Taqueria. It also serves salads, sandwiches and juices, with delivery available from Seamless. (Thanks to Jeffery and Matthew for the tip.)

A Presentation Gallery for condos in the 41-story Claremont Hall is coming to the corner of Broadway and 109th Street. Claremont Hall, designed by Robert A.M. Stern Architects, in collaboration with the Union Theological Seminary, is located across the street from Riverside Church. It will contain 165 condos as well as classrooms, academic offices and faculty-designated apartments for the 180-year-old Seminary.

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