Introduction to the Dispute
Bryant Park Grill is planning to remain open despite its lease expiring.
The message from Bryant Park Grill is clear: they’re not going anywhere.
The Current Situation
On May 1, Bryant Park Grill will be opening to the public, just like any other ordinary Thursday. However, the restaurant’s lease expires on April 30.
Background of the Dispute
The decision to remain open comes as the restaurant and owner, Michael Weinstein, pursues litigation against the Park BID, Bryant Park Corporation (BPC), for rigging the public bidding process in favor of the Seaport Entertainment Group. According to a press release sent out by Bryant Park Grill, BPC’s Dan Bierderman “admitted BPC offered $2 million to Seaport for capital improvements and over a year of free rent – giveaways not offered to Bryant Park Grill or the other finalists.”
Potential Consequences
If approved, the release says that this move would close the restaurant for a year or long, putting the Grill’s employees out of a job. The release also asserts that should the bidding process with the Seaport Entertainment Group succeed, public money would give the Seaport a year of free rent while Bryant Park Grill remains empty; accept $1 million less in annual rent than plaintiff’s bid; and all while overlooking Seaport’s well-documented financial instability and plan to raise prices on New Yorkers.
History of Bryant Park Grill
Bryant Park Grill first opened its doors in 1995. Over the years, the restaurant has been a mainstay in New York City’s dining scene, with half of the Grill’s 250 employees having been on the team for at least a decade, while one in five has been there for 25 years.
Previous Developments
Eater reported that last fall, Bryant Park Grill was being pushed out by BCP and hit the auction block, with Jean-Georges Restaurants being chosen out of 11 bidders, including Bryant Park Grill, to take over the space.
Conclusion
The future of Bryant Park Grill remains uncertain as the litigation process unfolds. The decision to remain open despite the lease expiration is a bold move, reflecting the restaurant’s commitment to its employees and the community it serves. Only time will tell how this situation resolves, but for now, Bryant Park Grill continues to operate, awaiting the outcome of the legal proceedings.
FAQs
Q: What is happening with Bryant Park Grill’s lease?
A: Bryant Park Grill’s lease expires on April 30, but the restaurant plans to remain open.
Q: Why is Bryant Park Grill pursuing litigation?
A: The restaurant is suing the Bryant Park Corporation (BPC) for allegedly rigging the public bidding process in favor of the Seaport Entertainment Group.
Q: What are the potential consequences if the Seaport Entertainment Group’s bid succeeds?
A: If approved, the move could close the restaurant for a year or longer, putting employees out of work, and would involve public money giving the Seaport a year of free rent while Bryant Park Grill remains empty.
Q: How long has Bryant Park Grill been in operation?
A: Bryant Park Grill first opened its doors in 1995 and has been a mainstay in New York City’s dining scene for over 25 years.
Q: What is the current status of the litigation?
A: The litigation is ongoing, with Bryant Park Grill awaiting the outcome of the legal proceedings.
