Keens, New York’s Most Famous Steakhouse, Has Sold to a New Owner | Eater NY

"Sold for $30 million to billionaire Tilman Fertitta, according to Crain’s New York, the longtime Midtown steakhouse was acquired by an owner who is a partner in Catch Hospitality Group and the newly opened Taylor Swift‑anointed Corner Store and is the CEO of Texas‑based Landry’s (whose umbrella includes Rainforest Cafe, Bubba Gump Shrimp, and the Palm Steakhouse); the purchase is independent of Landry’s. First opened by Albert Keen, the space was previously a club for a theater group and later a clubhouse for smoking pipes where Teddy Roosevelt, Babe Ruth, and Albert Einstein were members; today it is home to one of the world’s largest collections of churchwarden pipes that hang from its ceiling. In the 1970s restaurateur George Schwarz took over, and after his death in 2016 he entrusted the institution to general manager Bonnie Jenkins, who remains today. Jenkins said, “We looked for a buyer that agreed to allow our team to continue to operate and manage [the restaurant] in the same tradition it has been for the past 140 years,” said Jenkins in a statement provided to Eater. She added, “I believe George would be happy to know that our new owner, Tilman Fertitta, is committed to maintaining the legacy of our historic brand. [The restaurant] is one of Manhattan’s oldest steakhouses and one of the most unique dining experiences in all of New York City. Tilman appreciates our old-world charm and unique museum like dining experience, and I am grateful that we will continue to serve our community and visitors from all over the world while preserving our iconic restaurant for years to come,” she said. Over the years it has been a favorite of New Yorkers: Anthony Bourdain cited it as a must, and more recently cookbook author Alison Roman had her wedding there. The acquisition points to Fertitta moving beyond large themed chains to invest in standalone New York restaurants." - Emma Orlow