Days after closing, storied Upper East Side hot dog joint Papaya King is set to reopen soon at a new site across the street from its original flagship location, the shop’s manager says.
The future of the beloved eatery at E. 86th St. and Third Ave. had been uncertain since last summer, when it was reported that the property was facing demolition by new owners. It closed last weekend.
“Everything is good,” manager Mohammad Alam told the Daily News on Wednesday, adding that the new digs will open “any day” next week.
“It’s a bigger space, very nice decoration inside,” he added.
On Wednesday, the gutted interior of the old space was visible through the windows. Bright, papaya-yellow signs announced the new location at 1535 Third Ave.
The new site is much bigger inside, with bright yellow walls, glistening countertops and decorations. The same staff will be employed there, according to Alam.
“I’ve come here many times. It’s sort of history,” Upper East Side resident Judith Clements said as she passed the old boarded-up store. “There’s a lot of longevity here.”
The shuttering of Papaya King’s 90-year-old home was first reported by Upper East Site.
Papaya King was founded by Greek immigrant Constantine “Gus” Poulos in 1932, when it was known as Hawaiian Tropical Drinks. Its signature hot dogs were introduced to the menu in 1939 and have been a New York City staple ever since.
The hot dog haven inspired copycats such as Gray’s Papaya and opened a number of franchise locations — including in Brooklyn, the East Village and Las Vegas — all of which have since shuttered.
The original location was in peril after owner Extell Development filed demolition plans months after purchasing the property, local news site Patch first reported in June. The behemoth developer — which has properties throughout the city, including on Billionaires’ Row — would not comment on its plans for the spot.
Papaya King has been engaged in a legal beef since…
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