HARLEM — The site of the shuttered Hue-Man Bookstore & Cafe is making way for a Buffalo Wild Wings.
The national sports bar franchise is currently building a two-story eatery right under Magic Johnson Harlem 9 on 124th Street, according to signs posted on the door.
News was first reported by Harlem Bespoke.
"I guess it's nice that people have more options than just fast food restaurants," said Denise Mason, who noticed the signs after coming out of a matinee at the movie theater.
The storefront has been empty since 2012 when the bookstore, which supported local African American authors for 10 years closed because the owner did not want to renew the lease.
Buffalo Wild Wings applied for a liquor license, according to a public notice posted on the door. The community board will have a hearing about the license on March 12 at 6:30 p.m.
It is not clear when the sports bar expects to open. Officials did not respond to questions about the new location.
Buffalo Wild Wings is the latest national franchise to set its sights on Harlem.
In November, 7-Eleven announced they will open their first Harlem franchise on 116th Street and Fredrick Douglass Boulevard.
Although Mason — who lives in Harlem — thinks more dining options are a positive addition to the neighborhood, she believes the old bookstore brought something more unique to Harlem. Hue-Man was known hosting community events, she said.
"We need another bookstore like that here," she said.
