"Starr Restaurants' agreement with La Mercerie has reached its natural conclusion," reads a statement from the group to Eater. "We are proud of the partnership and wish the restaurant nothing but continued success. As Starr Restaurants expands its portfolio, we remain focused on creating new dining experiences and growing in dynamic markets across the country."
New York City's cultural institutions have been amping up dining by partnering with known chefs and restaurants to attract New Yorkers, particularly those with deep pockets. Just this month, cult-favorite film production company A24 (behind Oscar-winning picture Everything Everywhere All At Once) reopened West Village neighborhood theater Cherry Lane with Wild Cherry, a new French restaurant run by chefs Lee Hanson and Riad Nasr, the duo behind Frenchette and Le Veau d'Or.