Abigail's (Credit: Shawn Rosvold)

Apparently, Abigail’s Café and Wine Bar, 807 Classon Ave., is for sale.  The asking price is $675,000. It’s a shame that the owners couldn’t make it a success. Open for a little under two years now, Abigail’s seemed to have problems from the start. It’s difficult to make any money without a liquor license, which it took them many months after opening to obtain.

As one reviewer on the Brooklynian web site said, it’s easier to deal with their notoriously slow service if you have a drink in your hand. Aside from the slow service, the biggest complaints seemed to be about portion size and pricing – too small and too high.  The menu is priced as high as their sister restaurant, Camaje Bistro on MacDougal St. in Manhattan.

In hindsight, in a neighborhood like Crown Heights, it may have been smarter to start out with a lower priced menu to build a clientele. There’s no question that the area wants and needs places like this, but perhaps the new owners would be well advised to do a bit more market research and get a liquor license before they open.

Here’s the listing on Trulia:

“Ready for Business?? Walk-in,and Start Immediately! Gorgeous Turn Key Space Available that is already equipped to handle light food and bar service. This space offers an open and airy feel meshed together with authentic Brooklyn Style!! Nestled in an bustling neighborhood close to Prospect Park, Brooklyn Museum and Botanical Gardens and great transportation–two bus stops (north-south and east-west), 1,2,3,4,5,and 6 subways, you will not have to work hard to find business. Step inside and a warm and inviting space awaits. Dark wide plank hard wood flooring, exposed brick, large bar, high ceilings, tons of space to get any business moving. Cellar level has additional seating /staging area and light kitchen. Call today!!! Features: 2250 total SF – 1350 SF on ground floor and 900 SF cellar. Stairs form 1st floor to cellar area and stairs from cellar to outside for loading”

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