Brooklyn Cop Hangout Two Toms Closing After 71 Years: Report

GOWANUS, BROOKLYN — A Brooklyn institution known serving the city's first responders will shut its doors in December after 71 years, owners told Eater.

Anthony Catapano, the owner of Two Toms on Third Avenue, told the food outlet that he will be selling the building and closing up the Italian restaurant shortly after Christmas.

The Gowanus spot has been open since 1948 and, known for serving police officers and firefighters, has been described as “equal parts social club, American Legion hall and grandpa’s rec room" by the foodies.

Catapano said deciding to shutter the spot, which he has run for 50 of the 71 years, was both because of the changing landscape of the neighborhood and, mainly, his own retirement.

“You wake up one day and you say you’ve had enough,” Catapano said.

The 61-year-old said that business at Two Toms has been slowing due to younger residents moving in and changing tastes. He has listed the building, which also has four residential units, for $3 million.

Catapano took over the restaurant from his late uncle Tom Giordiano, one of the literal two Toms who founded the institution, Eater said.

"It’s an end of an era," the outlet wrote. "Though old-school red sauce spots continue to thrive throughout Brooklyn, Two Toms is among the last of its kind in post-industrial Gowanus."

To read the full Eater interview with Catapano click here.