By Patrick Hedlund
DNAinfo News Editor
EAST VILLAGE — Reports of Acme Bar & Grill's demise have been greatly exaggerated, according to staff.
After the Cajun-inspired restaurant on Great Jones Street stated its plans to shutter Tuesday after 25 years, staff quickly announced that the eatery was not departing but only temporarily closing for extensive renovation work.
"It was getting to a point where it was impossible to keep operating," said Tony, Acme's manager for the past 13 years who declined to provide his last name.
He noted that confusion among staff over whether the restaurant was shuttering for good had even him believing Acme was finished, leading owner Robert Pollock to clarify that the eatery would indeed live again, the Village Voice reported.
Tony explained that the space had become "not Board of Health-worthy" after Acme received a failing "C" grade on a recent inspection.
Depending on the scope of renovations, the restaurant should reopen in three to four months, he added.
"It's sad to say, but 25 years has taken its toll," he said, noting that Acme was "built on a shoestring" when it first opened between Broadway and Lafayette streets.
Tony said that there are no issues with the restaurant's lease as far as he knows, and that fans should expect the eatery to be back serving its trademark po' boys and jambalaya in the near future.
"It was very confusing for everybody," he said. " I was giving out misinformation."
