MANHATTAN — Greenwich Village is going to lose a little bit of its soul.
The Pink Tea Cup, a soul food restaurant that has been on Grove Street for more than five decades, has announced it is closing.
Third-generation owner Lisa Ford told the Associated Press that the eatery will close Jan. 3 because of a weak economy and rising costs.
Roughly 15 long-time employees will lose their jobs.
Ford began working at the restaurant after graduating from college 20 years ago. Her great-aunt, Florida native Mary Raye, opened The Pink Tea Cup in 1954.
The restaurant, which seats 42 people, is painted pink inside and out, and is known for its fried chicken, smothered pork chops and catfish.
Ford said business has been declining since the Sept. 11 attacks.