Michael Weinstein, owner of the Bryant Park Grill, is contesting the lease award to celebrity chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten. Despite offering a higher rental bid at over $3 million compared to Vongerichten's $2 million, the Bryant Park Corporation favored the new establishment for an 18-year lease. Weinstein criticized this choice, highlighting his restaurant's longstanding success and contribution to the area. He expressed concerns about the 10-month closure expected for Vongerichten's buildout and called the decision short-sighted, questioning the qualifications of Seaport Entertainment, the group behind the new restaurant.
We are a hugely successful restaurant even though we are handcuffed - the restaurant closes at 10 pm during the week, our outdoor seating is weather permitting, and we don't do bottle service and turn into a nightclub.
Why are they taking something that is very successful and throwing it out and giving it to a new guy who doesn't have a history in the hospitality business?
#restaurant-lease #bryant-park-grill #jean-georges-vongerichten #hospitality-industry #business-competition
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