Last month The New Yorker ran a beautiful cover of Chelsea’s famous Empire Diner as illustrated by Jorge Colombo.

We wrote:

Previously painted by Harry McCormick in 1970, Ralph Goings in 1992, and John Baeder in 1999, (and many others before and since then), Colombo adds his depiction of this classic Fodero Dining Car, originally built in 1946 to the treasure chest of interpretations.

Colombo’s image came to mind today because Gothamist reports that the famous diner has lost its lease and is set to close next month! While the building will probably be preserved, the food inside is likely to change. Plans for Empire are uncertain but the space is set to be taken over by the company behind Coffee Shop in Union Square.

Whether you loved or hated the iconic diner, the loss of a landmark is always sad.