MEIERS CORNERS — One of Staten Island's oldest restaurants is the latest city institution to become a bank.
The 83-year-old Staten Island German eatery Schaffer's Tavern, at 2055 Victory Blvd., was sold to Victory State Bank. It will be the financial business's sixth branch in the borough, the Staten Island Advance reported.
It was the oldest family-run restaurant on the island, famed for its pastrami, corned beef and smoked sausages.
Schaffer's closing date has not been set yet, but the bank expects to start construction in early 2017, the Advance reported.
Victory State Bank and the owners of Schaffer's did not respond to a request for comment.
"I am sorry to hear this Staten Island institution will be shutting its doors," local Councilman Steven Matteo said.
"The iconic Meiers Corners eatery has provided many Islanders with great meals and great memories for more than 80 years."
Schaffer's Tavern was started as a speakeasy by German immigrant George Schaffer in the 1930s and, after Prohibition was repealed, opened on Victory Boulevard in 1933 where it's remained since, the Advance reported.
It's just one of many places that have been taken over by banking institutions in the city. On the list is iconic East Village bar Mars Bar, which was taken over by TD Bank, and the Second Avenue Deli which became a Chase.
Matteo called on the city to take advantage of the construction and widen the intersection of Victory Boulevard and Bradley Avenue, next to the building, in an attempt to fix traffic problems there.
"I do want to make it very clear: No project on the Schaffer’s site should be approved unless the new developers agree to adequately widen this road, and I intend to fight any application for a waiver from this absolutely necessary measure."
