An article in the New York Times on August 24, 2017 bemoaned the high rents and vacant storefronts in SoHo. Retail rents soared between 2010 and 2014 by 90%, far above other areas of Manhattan. The area became a hub of large flagship stores, such as the 55,000 square foot Nike store on Broadway and Spring Street. Local residents, block associations, and even elected officials were not so happy about that, wanting instead to retain their vision of SoHo with low-scale buildings, artists’ lofts, and small independent retailers. Towards that end, there are special zoning restrictions in SoHo that limit the size of stores to no more than 10,000 square feet. There are also specific zoning restrictions in SoHo and other parts of the City that limit the size of eating and drinking establishments. The Zoning Resolution limits eating drinking establishments in M1-5A and M1-5B districts to 5,000 square feet. Other portions of the Resolution limit other areas to 3,500 square feet. Be aware of these restrictions if you are planning to open a restaurant or bar, and speak with a zoning expert.
The Seattle Times described it as “a love affair” with French restaurant L’Oursin. L’Oursin, which means “sea urchin,” is owned by Chef JJ Proville and Zac Overman. It opened to rave reviews in Seattle’s Central District, Seattle Weekly naming it the best French restaurant in the city. Both Zac and JJ are New York transplants. Originally thinking they would open a restaurant in Brooklyn one day, instead they headed west and now the lucky folks in Seattle are reaping the benefit of their talents. If you are passing through Seattle, this is the place to go. All the best to our good friend, Chef Proville.
e’s Bar at 511 Amsterdam Avenue, shuttered for months by a fire in its building, recently reopened and was just named by Eater as one of New York’s best theme bars. A self described “dive bar for grown-ups,” e’s Bar features trivia nights, craft beers, 150 board games, and music from the 70s and 80s. Not to mention the $5 Happy Hour burger. Bernstein Redo, P.C. is proud to be part of the e’s Bar team.
Burger & Lobster, the hugely popular London based restaurant chain, will open its second Manhattan restaurant today at One Bryant Park. The chain started in the Mayfair section of London in 2011. It opened its first New York restaurant at 39 W. 19th Street in 2015. A true surf and turf, simplicity is their key. Burger & Lobster features three dishes, lobsters, burgers, and lobster rolls, along with a salad and fries and a homemade dessert. With a full bar menu of course. Bernstein Redo, P.C. is proud to be a part of the Award winning Burger & Lobster team.
This past week the New York State Liquor Authority approved a beer and wine license for the new Restoration Hardware gallery at 9 Ninth Avenue, where the former Pastis was located. The 70,000 square foot decorating showroom and furniture gallery will have a full service restaurant on the fifth floor as well as an outdoor rooftop showroom. Founded in 1979, RH has design stores in the U.S. and Canada. The new Ninth Avenue gallery and restaurant is expected to open in November 2017. Bernstein Redo, P.C. is proud to be a part of the RH team.
Travel & Leisure just named the Roxy Hotel at the corner of Sixth Avenue and Church Street one of the “Top Fifteen City Hotels in the Continental United States.” (http://www.travelandleisure.com/worlds-best/city-hotels-in-us#intro) Originally opened as the Tribeca Grand to join its sister hotel The Soho Grand on West Broadway, the hotel was re-branded as the Roxy Hotel Tribeca in 2015. It evokes the 1920s movie theater and 90’s dance clubs and includes Paul’s Cocktail Lounge and Django jazz club. Good pick, Time + Leisure. Bernstein Redo, P.C. is proud to be part of the Roxy Hotel and Soho Grand Hotel team.
When Donald Bernstein was in Washington, D.C. in November 2015, he happened upon &Pizza, an award winning fast casual 21 store pizza chain, with a mission of “Make it personal,” “Elevate everything,” “Keep it fresh,” and “Celebrate oneness.” His first thought, after yummy pizza, was that this would be a great place in New York. We were thrilled when &Pizza called Bernstein Redo, P.C. to ask us to help them open their first New York restaurant. & Pizza at 15 West 28th Street in Manhattan is opening in June. And there will be more stores to come. We are proud to be part of the & Pizza team.