Izzy and Zoe’s 40th St. space still vacant

The deli formerly known as Izzy and Zoe’s is still vacant more than eight months after the restaurant’s lease was revoked.

Izzy and Zoe’s, situated in retail space owned by the University, was closed in late January after a breach of lease obligations by the restaurant’s owner — primarily, intermittent closings throughout the fall semester of 2008.

The New York-style deli opened on 40th street in February 2000, where its bagels and eggs became popular breakfast fodder among students and area residents alike.

However, the restaurant mysteriously closed before winter break last year and did not reopen in January, forcing students to look elsewhere for their Saturday morning brunch fix.

Since its closure, the University has been looking for a new business to replace the delicatessen, and may be close to announcing a new tenant.

Earlier this semester, Ed Datz, director of real estate for Facilities and Real Estate Services, said he hoped to announce a new lease in mid-October.

But as the ides of the month approach, no announcement has been made.

“We have significant interest from primarily food operators of which we’re evaluating the offers against what currently exists in the marketplace,” Datz wrote in an e-mail.

He noted that FRES is also considering non-food-oriented businesses before making a final decision.

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