The original Papaya King, an Upper East Side institution, known for its snappy hot dogs and tropical drinks, may be facing demolishment, Patch reports. According to the local news publication, paperwork was filed this week by Extell — the developers behind what is known as Billionaire’s Row — to knock down the low-rise building located at 171-179 East 86th Street. Patch reports the building, located at the corner of East 86th Street and Third Avenue, was first purchased last fall for $21 million.

Papaya King has been a neighborhood fixture since opening in 1932 by German American immigrants. Over the years, it spawned several outposts — in Hollywood, St. Mark’s Place, Downtown Brooklyn — but all have since shut down. Since the pandemic, things have been rocky at the flagship Papaya King. In June 2020, the Real Deal reported that the Upper East Side icon faced legal disputes over ownership with its former landlord.

We have enough high-rise buildings with boring faceless chain stores at their anchor. Save this iconic hot dog place that gives New York character, that Kramer loved on Seinfeld, don't let them tear down Papaya King.