If you've been to New York, you've most likely been to Tavern on the Green, the touristy restaurant in Central Park, that is gone. They served their final meals on New Year's Eve, and will become a new restaurant in the spring of 2010. Tavern on the Green opened 75 years ago, and has been a destination for both tourists and locals for many years. Three years ago the restaurant grossed more than $38 million and served over 700,000 meals. Now they are broke and selling off crystal chandelliers and anything else that can be sold.
They're even trying to sell the name. Here's what happened. Their lease ran out this year and the city put the property up for bid. Someone with deep pockets came along and outbid them, so they lost the lease. After all, Tavern on the Green had over 400 employees, all earning union wages, and couldn't make a profit in this recession. They will soon have a sale to pay debts, and possibly even sell the name of the restaurant. If the name is not sold, it cannot be used again for a very long time.
New owners plan to modernize the restaurant both inside and out, and design a menu more in tune with today's health concerns and contemporary tastes. They plan to remodel the restaurant with the environment in mind, using reusable products and those from sustainable sources.
I know many will miss this landmark restaurant. I will not. I have only eaten there twice, and found the food average at best, and very overpriced. Then again, I've never been one for tourist traps. The new owners sound like they have a good concept. New Yorkers appreciate good food, and it sounds like the new restaurant will deliver.
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