Iconic New York City hot dog joint, Papaya King, has made its triumphant return after being forced to close down its original location in 2021 when the building was sold for $21 million to developers. The beloved eatery, once dubbed “the apex of the art of hotdog making” by Anthony Bourdain, is now back up and running at a new Upper East Side location just across the intersection from its old home.
The closure of Papaya King’s original location last spring left many long-time patrons feeling heartbroken. The news that it would be reopening in a new location was met with tears of joy by some, including 57-year-old neighbor Jamie Boone who stopped by the new location on Sunday to see its return.
My sister couldn’t even walk past that place being torn down,” added Jamie’s 68-year-old sister CJ, reminiscing about their childhood visits with their parents. The Boone sisters are just two of many New Yorkers who have fond memories of the hot dog joint that has been a staple in the area for nearly a century.
Manager Mohammad Alam said he had received numerous calls from customers eager to see Papaya King reopen since its original location shut down more than a year ago. We don’t want to lose our customers, because we are the neighborhood. This is our company that’s here 92 years,” said Alam.
The new location on East 86th Street and Third Avenue opened its doors for business on Saturday, attracting a steady flow of customers who were thrilled to see their beloved hot dog joint back in action. New Yorker Bill A., whose father used to visit the original location with him as a child, said he was excited to continue the tradition with his own kids now that Papaya King has returned.
Since opening its doors, Alam noted that while customer traffic hasn’t been as strong as it once was at the old location, he expects that to change as more people become aware of its reopening in the area. The new Papaya King has already attracted some first-time customers who have left impressed by the food and atmosphere.
Papaya King first opened at its original location in 1932 and quickly became a favorite among locals and tourists alike. Despite being forced to move, its legacy lives on in the hearts of New Yorkers and visitors who still remember the delicious hot dogs and tropical drinks that made it such a beloved institution.
As the new location continues to attract customers, both old and new, it is clear that the spirit of Papaya King remains strong in the city where it first began. The reopening of this iconic hot dog joint not only serves as a reminder of New York’s rich history but also provides hope for other beloved businesses facing similar challenges in today’s rapidly changing urban landscape.
