Emma again. I had not one, but two dear friends move abroad in the past week. Do you think it was something I said :)? One of the going-aways was at Ear Inn, where I drew unflattering crayon portraits of everyone. Shouts to Bernie’s and Banshee for also leading the papercloth-and-crayons way.
In today’s letter: Three restaurant groups behind Empellón, Zaab Zaab, and Dhamaka are expanding, a Japanese pizza takeover, comedian John Early’s campy food-influencer film, and a deep dive into the rare wine shop that launched an auction platform. Plus: my colleague Chris Crowley has some breaking news on Simon Kim potentially going into business with a former Alinea chef and Eater editor.
Ritz Diner, which was open for 30 years, is available. (Photo courtesy of Meridian Capital.)
After running Baz Bagels for more than a decade, Bari Musacchio has pivoted into restaurant real estate. She’s currently listing the Upper East Side’s 30-year-old Ritz Diner. “Would love to see someone who appreciates the NYC iconic corner and adapt it for its new chapter!” she wrote to me. Interested parties can email [email protected].
Yesterday, Mayor Mamdani was at the Fort Greene bar, Fancy Free, to watch the Arsenal game. As was I!
Any hospitality folks going to be at Brimfield, sourcing for restaurant interiors? I want to know what you buy: [email protected].
Alex Stupak, behind the Empellón empire, is eyeing another restaurant…
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