September 30, 2026
The Disappearing Act of NYC’s Concession Stands
By Quinn Dwyer
By Jeffrey Wang
First licensed in 1854, the iconic New York City newsstands have now become a shell of what they once were. In their peak in the 50s, there were over 1,300 newsstands located all across NYC. Primarily run by immigrant men, these stands were once busy selling cigarettes, small snacks and drinks, and various local papers and magazines. Post-pandemic, the number has declined even further. Just 357 of these newsstands remain, and the fate of these newsstands mirror that of the once widespread payphones as large commercial stores expand and society becomes increasingly digital.
Taken in the 66th street – Lincoln Center Station on the South Ferry bound platform.
Close up of the 66th Street – Lincoln Center Store.
Just outside the Woodside 61st Street Station.
A kid’s dream.
Outside of the 8th Avenue – 14th Street Station.
Some concession stands have adapted to the current trends. This stand located just outside of the 14th Street – 8th Ave station sells the popular nicotine pouches “ZYMs”.
Ruins of an old concession stand, Woodside 61st Street.
Abandoned Concession Stand in the Queens Plaza Station.
