Beloved Brooklyn Eatery Sunshine Co Closes After 10 Years

PROSPECT HEIGHTS, NY — Sunshine Co has come a long way since a "dramatic" Community Board meeting solidified it as one of Washington Avenue's first bars, long-time local Andy Winfrey said.

And on Sunday, the beloved eatery served its last brunch after 10 years in Prospect Heights.

"After 10 years, several owners, a few robberies, a great many more floods, a fire, a remodel and a global pandemic, Sunshine Co is ready to say goodbye," owners wrote in an Instagram post earlier this month.

"Thank you 780 Washington for everything, we have been so lucky to be on the most beautiful block serving this incredible neighborhood for the past decade."

Dozens of long-time patrons made their last visits to the neighborhood staple, known for its burgers, Brussels sprouts and cocktails.

"Sunshine Co has been a wonderful addition to our block and to our neighborhood, my family has eaten there often over the years," said Jesse Hendrich, a long-time Prospect Heights resident. "We will be sad to see them go."

Winfrey made his last visit to Sunshine Co's bar Thursday. Through block parties and local outreach, Sunshine Co has become part of the block Winfrey's lived on for 20 years.

"They've always been friendly," he said. "It was a very sweet, neighborhood place."

The neighborhood is very active, and often rallies behind its restaurants, Winfrey said — like when Stocked suffered a fire in 2016 or in the beginning of the pandemic when Sunshine Co staff needed a little help.

"It's sad they're leaving," Winfrey said.