Barboncino, a prominent Crown Heights pizzeria, is set to close on February 28, citing economic pressures, decreased sales, and industry challenges. This closure comes two years after it became the first pizzeria in New York City to unionize in July 2023. Staff members expressed concern that the unionization might have influenced the decision to close, noting a lack of communication from ownership. The owners, in their statements, attributed the closure to economic strains without addressing speculation regarding the unionization impact. Workers feel undervalued, likening their treatment to that of gig workers, despite the restaurant's community importance during its operation.
The main motivation at the beginning was getting hazard pay for the kitchen employees. The restaurant never closed for a day during COVID and specifically the kitchen was basically risking their lives just to keep it open.
'We have a vision for the restaurant in 10 years. Where will you be?' the owners reportedly asked workers at a meeting in the fall of 2022. This implied that the owners viewed the staff as transitory workers, even though the restaurant was a place where former coworkers were constantly at the bar hanging out.
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