There was celebration over the weekend at famed Irish bar and restaurant Coogan’s. The restaurant, located at 4015 Broadway, which has been a fixture in Washington Heights for over thirty years, had been facing a huge rent increase from its landlord, New York-Presbyterian Hospital. It looked as though Coogan’s was going to close. However, with the assistance of Borough President Gale Brewer, Representative Adriano Espillat, an on-line petition with over 15,000 signatures, and even help from Broadway star Lin-Manuel Miranda, Coogan’s and New York-Presbyterian reached an agreement over the weekend for a new lease. Bernstein Redo, P.C. is proud to be a part of the Coogan’s team.
Donald Bernstein Testifies Before New York State Assembly
On January 11, 2018 three standing committees of the New York State Assembly held a joint hearing on the public health and criminal justice implications of the legalization of marijuana in New York. Assembly Member Joseph R. Lentol, Chair of the Committee on Codes, extended an invitation to Bernstein Redo, P.C.’s Donald Bernstein to testify at that hearing to which a number of law enforcement, health professionals, and attorneys were invited. Mr. Bernstein spoke on proposed rules and legislation providing for the licensing of retail stores in New York that would be permitted to sell cannabis under the proposed law, analyzing its similarity with existing liquor laws and regulations and comparing it with existing legislation in other states, such as Colorado and Oregon. In response to inquiries by one of the bill’s sponsors, Assembly Member Chrystal Peoples-Stokes, Bernstein proposed and discussed changes to the pending legislation.
The Roman and Williams Guild
Robin Standefer and husband Stephen Alesch, owners of renowned design firm Roman and Williams, have partnered with James Beard-award-winning restauranteur Stephen Starr to open the Roman and Williams Guild at 53 Howard Street last month. The Starr bakery and restaurant Le Mercerie is located within the Guild retail store, which showcases Roman and Williams furniture and other designs. This is a continuation of their long collaboration, as Roman and Williams designed Starr’s Upland and Le Coucou restaurants, and other notable restaurants and hotels in New York. The kitchen at Le Mercerie will be run by Marie-Aude Rose, a celebrated Parisian chef. Bernstein Redo, P.C. is proud to be a part of the Roman and Williams Guild and Le Mercerie team.
Southern Glazers Wine & Spirits Fined $3.5 Million
Upstate New York giant liquor and wine wholesaler Southern Glazers Wine and Spirits, the largest in the country, was fined a whopping $3.5 million by the New York State Liquor Authority yesterday. This is the largest fine ever imposed by the SLA. An investigation into its “pay to play” activities began in January 2016. Southern salespersons allegedly swiped their company credit cards at favored retail licensed establishments without receiving anything in return. This, according to the SLA, was intended to influence the retailer’s decision to buy products from Southern, a violation of the “gift and services” prohibition of state law. SLA Chairman Vincent Bradley called the extent of the violations “staggering.”
James Hotel Sold to Thor Equities
The 114 room James Hotel on Grand Street in Manhattan was sold last week to Joseph Sitt’s Thor Equities. The 18 story hotel, purchased for $66 million, features a cellar restaurant, outdoor terraces and a rooftop bar. The hotel will be managed by Highgate Hotels. Thor is planning to rebrand the hotel is 2019. Bernstein Redo, P.C. secured the approval of Community Board 2 and the liquor permits necessary to facilitate the purchase. We are proud to be a part of the Thor Equities and Highgate Hotels team.
Ferris Opens in New Made Hotel
Ferris, a new restaurant in the recently opened Made Hotel at 44 West 29th St., was added to Eater’s list of hottest new restaurants this month. Former Le Turtle chef Greg Proechel has landed at Ferris, an American restaurant with a global influence. The Made, owned by Sam Gelin, features a stunning indoor and outdoor 18th floor lounge and a second floor patio for hotel guests. Bernstein Redo, P.C. is proud to be a part of the Made team.
DaDong Comes to 3 Bryant Park
One of China’s most famous chefs, Dong Zhenxiang, simply known as DaDong, is opening his first U.S. restaurant at 3 Bryant Park on the second and third floor of the cube building. DaDong has nine restaurants in Beijing and two in Shanghai and is world famous for its Roast Peking Duck. The 440 seat flagship restaurant was designed by the architect George Wong and has an outdoor garden. Reservations are already booked through February 2018. Bernstein Redo, P.C. is proud to be a part of the DaDong team.
Chef Zazou Yoshida finds New Home at Juku
Juku, one of the most highly anticipated new restaurants, opened earlier this week at 32 Mulberry Street in Chinatown. The well-appointed space – which spans three floors and offers multiple dining styles – serves menus curated and prepared by renowned Chef Zazou Yoshida. Upstairs, patrons can partake in the omakase experience, while the ground floor and basement offer la carte options. Juku is already receiving rave reviews from diners and critics. Bernstein Redo, P.C. is proud to be part of the Juku team.
Soho House DUMBO Outpost Approved for License
Soho House is bringing its name brand, members-only club to Brooklyn Bridge Park. This will be the third Soho House in New York and the space was approved this month for a liquor license. The first Soho House opened in the Meatpacking District in 2003, then more recently the second house opened on Ludlow Street in the Lower East Side. The newest location will be housed inside of Brooklyn Bridge Park’s Empire Stores and will have outdoor spaces facing the East River and nestled between the Manhattan and Brooklyn Bridges. Founded in London in 1995 by Nick Jones as a private members’ club for people in the creative industries, Soho House has since opened 18 clubs across Europe and North America, as well as hotels, restaurants, cinemas, workspaces, and spas. Bernstein Redo, P.C. is proud to be a part of the Soho, Ludlow, and Dumbo House team.
The Wing Soho Opens at 52 Mercer Street
The Wing, born out of the belief that women need and deserve a multi-purpose space designed to make their lives easier, and that magic is created when women gather together, opened its second Manhattan location at 52 Mercer Street last week, and was just approved for a liquor license. Founded by Audrey Gelman and Lauren Kassen, this member’s club and co-working space designed for women opened its flagship at 45 East 20th Street, and is now expanding to the Clocktower building in Dumbo. Bernstein Redo, P.C. is proud to be a part of The Wing team.