February 16, 2011
By Staff Reporter
A devastating four-alarm fire claimed the original store in August — along with several other well-known Irish owned and operated ventures located on the same block, including Blooms bar and restaurant — and the Butcher’s Block is now the first Irish premises to reopen after the blaze.
The new store is located across the street from the original premises, on 41st Street just off Queens Boulevard in Sunnyside. In scale it is at least five times the size of the original premises, and in terms of quality, service and variety, it clearly sets a new standard for the area.
A spokesperson for Queens Borough President Helen Marshall said: “We’re delighted to see the Butcher’s Block back in operation. Back in August the borough president made a point of sending the local director of economic development to visit with the merchants who had been affected by the fire the day after it occurred, to consult with them and see what the city could do. And she’s thrilled to see the new premises rising phoenix like from the ashes.”
Noel Gaynor, the County Mayo native who owns and operates the store, was also pleased to be back in business.
“It’s good to be back working in the area,” he said. “We’re in a new store and a new location, but we’re still here to provide all your Irish groceries and goods. And we’d like to wish everyone a Happy Christmas.”
Gaynor’s plans for the new year include opening similar Irish-themed stores in each of the boroughs, including Manhattan.