GREENWICH VILLAGE — Avignone Chemists, a Village institution dating back to 1929, is being replaced by Sweetgreen, a salad chain that prides itself on sourcing local and organic ingredients and "keeping it real."
The chain has stores all over the country, including eight other locations in New York City.
Sweetgreen did not respond to an inquiry, but their website indicates they may leave much of the historic Avignone building intact.
"The same core values that drive our business influence our store design," the website reads. "In the spirit of 'keeping it real,' we seek to preserve and expose the natural structure of a building, no matter the cost."
Avignone was forced out in January 2015 when the building was bought by an investment firm, Force Capital Management. Avignone owner Abe Lerner said at the time that his new landlord wanted to triple his rent.
► READ MORE: Avignone Chemists, Village Staple Since 1929, Closing After Rent Hike
Lerner said Force Capital planned to charge $60,000 to the next tenant. Force Capital did not respond to inquiries.
