Yes, all eight of the Coney Island 8 signed the agreement with property manager Zamperla’s Central Amusement International and the City that will allow 7 of them–Shoot the Freak is out– to lease their City-owned Boardwalk locations for one final summer. The Georgoulakos family, owners of Paul’s Daughter, one of the Coney Island 8 Mom & Pop businesses, sent out the following statement today:
We are excited about returning for the 2011 season, but at the same time, this settlement is bittersweet. It is not the outcome we were hoping for, but the one we thought attainable. We love Coney Island and we love what we do. We have been in this location for 41 years through the good and the bad. It has been our living, our family, our heart and soul. We do not know what the future holds, but it is our wish that Coney Island remain the unique, quirky, fun place for all that is has always been — with or without us. Hope to see you on the Boardwalk this summer!
Happily, we’ll have to revise the captions on our photos of “the last French fry” at Paul’s Daughter and “last call” at Ruby’s. Let’s see plenty of eating, drinking and being merry at the Boardwalk establishments this summer, for they are contractually obligated to exit quietly at the end of the season.
As ATZ reported in January, Sodexo, the world’s 22nd 21st largest corporation, will open their own restaurant at Paul’s Daughter’s location. A year-round sports bar is planned for the space occupied by Ruby’s and Coney Island Souvenirs.
The other evicted businesses granted a reprieve for 2011 are Ruby’s Bar, Cha Cha’s, Steve’s Grill House, Gyro Corner, Beer Island and Coney Island Souvenirs. Ruby’s posted a message on their Facebook page:
It is Official. A deal was signed yesterday, and we are happy to announce that RUBY’S will be celebrating our 36th year in business, and will be open for the 2011 season. This small victory has happened in part due to the help and support of ALL of our loyal friends, and patrons. THANK YOU!!!
Related posts on ATZ…
November 13, 2011: The End of Paul’s Daughter As We Know It–Will They Return?
October 13, 2011: October 13, 2011: Photo of the Day: Coney Island Americana Looking for New Beach
November 10, 2010: This Week in Coney Island: Party at Paul’s Daughter, Hypocrisy at NYCEDC
November 1, 2010: Out With the Old in Coney Island: Only 2 of 11 Boardwalk Businesses Invited Back
Amusing the Zillion 
Great news but bittersweet that it is the “last summer”. Or is it?
Bittersweet is exactly the right word. I’m happy they get to come back for one more season, but there’s nothing to celebrate about this deal. I believe it is “the last summer” for these Mom & Pops at their Boardwalk locations. Relocating to another location will be difficult and costly. Zamperla’s plans to transform and corporatize the Boardwalk were postponed till 2012 due to the lengthy eviction proceeding.
I will definitely stop out more times this year than ever to support these businesses. I have to tell you, just reading the words, “year-round sports bar,” makes me want to puke in my left boot! Ecch!
Reading your new “Marty After dark” blog made me look forward to your coverage of Coney Island this season. See you there!
We’ll definitely have to meet at Ruby’s, I’ll buy you a beer!