D.C. Institution Ben’s Chili Bowl Is Popping Up in New York | Eater NY
"Jean-Georges Vongerichten is set to sign an 18-year lease on the space that has operated as a Bryant Park restaurant for nearly 30 years. The lease development followed a public breakup at a community board meeting between landlord Dan Biederman of Bryant Park Corporation, who said the restaurant "had gotten a little tired," and owner Michael Weinstein of Ark Restaurants, who said, "We just don’t understand." Crain's reported that the restaurant makes $28 million in annual sales and pays $3 million in annual rent (a reported $250,000 a month). The restaurant will remain open until the lease expires in May; Crain's reports the new operation will be co-owned by Jean-Georges and Seaport Entertainment Group, the latter of which has been in the news recently regarding employees not being rehired at the Tin Building." - Melissa McCart
