Two Westchester restaurants close a year after opening

Less than a year after opening, two Hartsdale eateries have closed.

Mamajuana Cafe Prime, a Latin fusion restaurant, which opened March 16, 2023, closed March 10. Owners Genesis and Carlos Malagon said it was due to a rent issue. Signage on their website simply says "We are permanently closed."

The restaurant was at 215 E. Hartsdale Ave.

More: More restaurants in Westchester, Rockland announce closures

Meanwhile, down the street, Constantino's pizzeria, which opened Feb. 9 of last year (National Pizza Day) closed March 11. Owner Robyn Bordes, who was big into the motto "#legalize marinara," and had named dishes after various family members, said skyrocketing costs made it difficult to stay in business.

Bordes still operates the same concept in Greenwich as well as Constantino’s Ice Cream & Dessert Bar, which remains open next door at 15 E. Hartsdale Ave.

The two Hartsdale spots are not the only Westchester restaurants to close after a year's time. Alondra's in Larchmont also shuttered its doors, in that case due to a lease issue.

So far since January, there have been 10 closings in Westchester and Rockland, many of which have been a result of higher rents and the increasing cost of business. They include Oscar's in Blauvelt; Java Love in Suffern; Dog Haus in Mohegan Lake (though it's being revived as something else); Meso Mediterranean in Rye; River City Grille in Irvington and Riviera Bakehouse in Ardsley (their Tarrytown location remains open).

Of interest: Baldwin Place is 'hopping' with new restaurants

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Jeanne Muchnick covers food and dining. Click here for her most recent articles and follow her latest dining adventures on Instagram @jeannemuchnick or via the lohudfood newsletter. 

This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: 2 Westchester restaurants close citing rent, rising costs