Elmo Restaurant, one of the longest-standing ‘gay restaurants” in New York City, is closing its doors after 25 years. The restaurant, founded by Bob Pontarelli, will serve its final meal on March 13. The building where Elmo has been housed for 25 years has been sold, ending their long-standing lease. The new owners are set to convert it into a residential building. Since opening in 2001, Elmo became an iconic LGBTQ+ destination in Chelsea, opening as an "unofficial clubhouse" for queer New Yorkers. The closure is particularly devastating for the community as Chelsea was considered the heart of the gay community in the early 2000s.