The Flamingo Lounge Bar & Grill

In 2000, Teddy’s Cafe, LLC, agreed to run a cafe and restaurant in the Pelham Gardens area of the Bronx. The space had previously housed the Flamingo Lounge Bar & Grill. Sadly, this venue became the site of a tragic event that changed its future forever.

According to a report by The New York Times, in April 2006, a fatal shooting took place at the Flamingo Lounge. The incident occurred when a heated argument broke out between a patron and the DJ. The patron left the club, only to return later with others, and began firing into the establishment. In the chaos that followed, Gary Grey, a father from the Bronx, was killed. Two other people were injured: a man was shot in the arm, and a woman was grazed by a bullet.

Since that night, the property has remained abandoned. The once-prominent red, white, and yellow signage is gone, and the building is now covered in graffiti. Despite some confusion on Google Maps, where the location is mistakenly listed as Franklin’s Fruit grocery store, a glance at the current street view shows the building has been shuttered since 2006.

It’s surprising that the property still sits vacant after all these years, especially given the changes in the area. The MTA has already expanded its Gun Hill Bus Depot nearby, taking over the former Bronx Gulf Center. It’s unclear why this lot, which has remained empty for nearly two decades, hasn't been repurposed.

The quiet presence of this building serves as a reminder of a tragic event, standing untouched as the neighborhood around it continues to evolve.

 Sources:

1. Schram, J. (2006, April 3). Deadly Night Out - Innocent Dad Blown Away at Club. New York Post.

2. MTA Board Action Items. (2000). United States: Metropolitan Transportation Authority. Page 4.

3. Fahim, K & Sweeney, M.(2006, April 3). Gunman Kills One and Injures Two at A Bronx Club Before Fleeing. NYTimes.