A Los Angeles-based matcha cafe chain, Archives of Us, has signed a lease for its first New York outpost in Manhattan's East Village. The company is leasing 2,400 square feet at 84 Second Avenue, a Highpoint Property Group asset. It will function as both a cafe and a retail presence for the matcha brand, as announced by the landlord's broker, Meridian Capital Group.
Meridian did not disclose the exact duration of the lease but stated that the asking rent for the space was $125 per square foot. Noam Aziz of Meridian, who represented the landlord alongside Carson Shahrabani, commented in a statement that this was a rare opportunity to secure a fully fitted space on a prime stretch of Second Avenue. He added that Archives of Us has developed one of the most distinctive matcha concepts in the country, and the East Village is an ideal setting for its New York debut.
Milly Cheung and Jordan Cohen of Lee & Associates NYC led negotiations on behalf of the tenant. A request for comment has so far gone unanswered. The space, located between East Fourth and Fifth Street, was previously leased to the tapas restaurant Nai, a concept by chef Ruben Rodriguez, which closed in November 2025. The space was fully furnished and built out for restaurant operations by the previous tenant, according to Meridian.
Archives of Us was founded in Los Angeles in April 2025 by Nick Kim. Carson Shahrabani commented that the brand could develop into "the La Colombe of matcha in New York City." This opening marks a significant step for Archives of Us' expansion into New York's competitive specialty beverage market. The location in a vibrant area like the East Village also offers high footfall and an appealing environment for the concept.
- —Address: 84 Second Avenue, New York City
- —Lease area: 2,400 square feet
- —Landlord representatives: Noam Aziz and Carson Shahrabani of Meridian Capital Group
- —Tenant representatives: Milly Cheung and Jordan Cohen of Lee & Associates NYC
