Confirmed: The Islands will relocate to 671 Washington, former site of Janelle's

whynot_31

For those not aware, a few months ago I broke the news that the Key Food building (located at Lincoln and Washington) will soon be torn down and replaced by condos. 

 Today, I have good news: One of its long standing tenants, The Islands, has secured a new spot locally: 

It will soon move to 671 Washington, the former site of Janelle's. (A poorly managed restaurant that was always going out of business, and finally did go out of business about a month ago).

whynot_31

The new site will be much larger than their present site, and plans include sit down dining, access to the roof for dining during the warmer months and a liquor license.

Here is a photo of their present location:

MOD

YEAH!!

ehgee

Great! Even if they double prices, they'll definitely be earning every cent. And it's even closer to my place!

goldemi1

great news!  such a nice owner, and definitely a need for seating.

crownheightster

Go ISLANDS!

ndaugherty

Awesome news!

hamwax

Yum!

whynot_31

http://patch.com/new-york/parkslope/jamaican-favorite-islands-moving-bigger-digs-crown-heights

Some attribution in The Patch for breaking the story would have been nice, but one apparently can't have that AND jerk chicken.

I'll settle for jerk chicken

pheightsresident

You know, when I read people mentioning The Islands on this site, I thought they we're referring to what I now know is Triple D's! Come to think of it, it never really dawned on me that there was another West Indian restaurant on that side of Washington other than Triple D's, which added to my belief. I'll take people's word that The Islands is good, but I definitely would've taken Triple D's moving to that spot as well. I love that place!

whynot_31

I spoke with one of the owners of The Islands a few days, and she states that she is presently waiting on permits before she can begin renovation of the Janelle's space.

She is optimistic that she won't have a period in which her present location is closed before she opens the new one, but can not be sure.

joshb

I went to the Islands last night. They have to be out by April 15, and Janelle's isn't scheduled to come online immediately. I'd go soon for one last taste in the old space.

MOD

Does anyone know their weekend hours? Google is proving unreliable.

joshb

They are open from, oh, 1 or 2pm until 10 or 11.

whynot_31

They usually close each night as they sell out of popular items.

Ie. They make as much jerk chicken as they can in the afternoon, then sell it until it is gone.

When to many menu items are gone, it is time to go home.

...about 10 PM.

whynot_31

Former location now closed.   Here's an interview with the owners: http://brokelyn.com/washington-aves-the-islands-has-closed/

whynot_31

New location is actively being renovated, but looks several weeks away being able to open.

Floor tile was being put in this weekend.   After that, DOH will have to inspect their kitchen.

whynot_31

Work on the site continues. Dumpster with debris is out front. They are doing more work than I thought they would. For some reason, I imagined them replacing the sign but keeping just about everything else. They may have investors involved, as opposed to loans.

whynot_31

I'm told the new space will be ready by October 1.

eastbloc

Any updates here?

whynot_31

I got nothing.

whynot_31

@eastbloc I was able to look in today. They are presently installing drywall. Plumbing, venting and electrical is done. Painting is next. After that we need some furnishings and a kitchen inspection.

whynot_31

Update: Painting is now occurring.

pheightsresident

Bummer. Good to see progress, but as hoping they'd be open before I leave town tmr!

ehgee

wonderful— i assume they'll have to be a higher-priced sitdown joint after this big of an investment? a shame, but they certainly deserve to go upmarket if they want

whynot_31

They have now begun the process of seeking a liquor license. Carib Enterprises Inc. and D Islands Restaurant, 671 Washington Avenue (St. Marks/Prospect) – Full (DJ, karaoke) (rezzonator services)

eastbloc

Still no Islands?

joshb

Just heard from the owners—like, two minutes ago on the phone. Opening New Year's Eve. They'll be transitioning into doing breakfast, lunch and dinner in the future, with more vegetarian and vegan offerings.

ehgee

a truly delicious new year's miracle!

whynot_31

Awesome! I haven't been able find evidence of them getting an application into the SLA yet, but that will be started soon enough. https://www.tran.sla.ny.gov/JSP/query/PublicQueryAdvanceSearchPage.jsp

joshb

Don't know about that. But they called me up to let me know they're opening on NYE.