New York Sub, the scrappy sandwich shop across from Southern Methodist University that has fueled study sessions, first dates and late-night cravings for generations, will close at the end of February after the owners said a lease renewal fell apart. The news has sparked an outpouring from regulars and a plea from the owners to help find a buyer or a new home before time runs out.
In an Instagram post, the New York Sub team said they were "in the middle of negotiating another 10-year lease when our landlord sold the building" and pointed to the proposed lease terms and mounting financial pressure as the reasons they are shutting down, according to WhatNow. The post asks the community to share leads on affordable spaces or a buyer who might keep the shop's name and recipes intact. WhatNow also notes that New York Sub dates back to 1974 and highlights longtime favorites like the brisket pastrami and the No. 11 turkey-and-cheese.
Why the lease fell apart
Owner Andrew Kelley told The Dallas Morning News that the building was recently purchased by brothers Pasha and Sina Heidari and that the new financial terms on the table were simply out of reach. "To be honest, I just can’t afford it," Kelley said. He and his wife, Edi, have run the tiny shop since 2016 and say they will keep slicing bread and piling on fillings through late February while they sort through whatever options are left.
A neighborhood staple since the 1970s
For decades, the narrow counter-service spot across from SMU has been part of the everyday rhythm of the Park Cities, a reliable stop for post-game refueling, finals-week sessions and quick lunches between classes. Regulars often point to the arcade games tucked inside and the no-frills, old-school feel as a big part of its charm, WhatNow reports. With the clock ticking on the lease, the owners are urging customers to treat the next few weeks as a "goodbye tour" and to swing by for their favorite order before the doors close.
Can it be saved?
The owners say a buyer or a landlord willing to offer more forgiving rent could keep New York Sub alive, and Kelley told The Dallas Morning News that modest updates, like adding a bar or refreshing the patio, might help make the numbers work. The recent building sale means there is not much runway left, so the team is openly asking anyone with leads to reach out and is casting the coming weeks as a chance for the neighborhood to show its support. If no buyer emerges and no new lease can be worked out, the familiar storefront at 3411 Asbury will likely be turned over to a new tenant after February.
Whether New York Sub finds a second life in another space or closes for good, the coming month is shaping up as a last look at a place that has been woven into Park Cities routines for generations. Fans say they plan to come back for one more sandwich and, if they are lucky, a chance to see those well-loved recipes live on.
