Iconic NYC 'Gay Restaurant' Elmo Closing After 25 Years

The Chelsea restaurant, a neighborhood staple and LGBTQ+ destination, will serve its final meal on March 13 as the building is sold to new owners.

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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Elmo Restaurant, one of the longest-standing 'gay restaurants' in New York City, is closing its doors after 25 years. The restaurant, a legendary fixture in Chelsea, will serve its final meal on March 13 as the building that has been its home for the past 25 years has been sold to new owners who plan to turn it into a residential building.

Why it matters

Elmo had become an 'unofficial clubhouse' for the LGBTQ+ community in Chelsea, which was widely considered the heart of the gay community in Manhattan in the early 2000s. The closure of this iconic restaurant is seen as a devastating loss for the local community.

The details

Elmo Restaurant was founded in 2001 by Bob Pontarelli and his late business partner Stephen Heighton, along with Bruce Hermann. The restaurant quickly became an institution for New Yorkers with its diner-style restaurant, celebration space, and living room feel. Over the years, Elmo has hosted late-night dinners, birthdays, Pride celebrations, drag shows, marriages, memorial services, political fundraisers, and more. Despite facing challenges like Hurricane Sandy and the COVID-19 pandemic, Elmo had managed to survive and thrive as a neighborhood staple and LGBTQ+ destination.

  • Elmo Restaurant opened in 2001.
  • Elmo will serve its final meal on Friday, March 13, 2026.

The players

Bob Pontarelli

The founder of Elmo Restaurant.

Stephen Heighton

Pontarelli's late business partner and best friend, who co-founded Elmo Restaurant.

Bruce Hermann

One of the original co-founders of Elmo Restaurant.

Sarah Leonard

A Chelsea resident who has been dining at Elmo for the past eight years.

Andy Cohen

A Bravo host and producer who commented on the closure of Elmo on social media.

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What they’re saying

“For nearly 25 years, Elmo has been the destination for hundreds of thousands of guests to enjoy some of life's best moments.”

— Bob Pontarelli, Founder of Elmo Restaurant (Instagram)

“Elmo in and of itself is an institution, and it's such a go-to place. I think it's a haven for people who are in the gay community, and even though I'm not gay myself, that's part of the uniqueness of Chelsea, that we have this warm, loving environment. It's places like Elmo.”

— Sarah Leonard, Chelsea resident (The New York Post)

“Bob, this sucks. What an incredible run. This news is Bad for NYC and bad for the neighborhood.”

— Andy Cohen (Instagram)

What’s next

The new owners of the building that housed Elmo Restaurant plan to turn it into a residential building, ending the restaurant's 25-year lease.

The takeaway

The closure of Elmo Restaurant, a beloved LGBTQ+ destination and neighborhood staple in Chelsea, marks the end of an era for the community. The loss of this iconic restaurant highlights the ongoing challenges facing small businesses and the changing landscape of New York City's neighborhoods.