NEW YORK CITY — Bad Habit, a beloved scoop shop in the East Village celebrated for its adventurous flavors like miso raspberry and sweet corn, will be closing its doors for good on July 14. Owners Jesse Merchant Zuñiga and Javier Zuñiga announced their departure from New York City as they embark on a new chapter on the West Coast, where they plan to continue their culinary pursuits while welcoming their newborn son.
The journey of Bad Habit began during the pandemic when the couple started making ice cream in their Brooklyn apartment. Their pints gained popularity, finding their way onto restaurant menus and delivered across Manhattan and Brooklyn. In 2023, they expanded to a storefront in the East Village, offering ice cream during the day and transforming into a wine bar at night, earning the title of an “adult ice cream parlor” from Eater.
The closure marks the end of an era for fans who appreciated Bad Habit’s innovative flavors and unique concept. While the East Village shop will soon be a memory, Jesse and Javier Zuñiga expressed gratitude to their patrons and look forward to their future endeavors on the West Coast.
