There are plans for new owners to take over
John's of 12th Street, the venerable Italian restaurant that opened here between First Avenue and Second Avenue in 1908.
Judy Anderson, whose late husband, Mike Alpert became a co-owner of John's in 1973 along with Nick Sitnycky, confirmed the news.
"Our accountant, Paul Dauber, a long-time friend and customer of John’s for about 30 years, along with his good friend from childhood days on the Lower East Side, Jan Siegel, are purchasing the restaurant," Anderson said.
Anderson emphasized the importance of new owners keeping the spirit of John's alive.
"Nick and I feel strongly about continuing the legacy of John’s of 12th Street and also ensuring that our long-time employees, some of whom have been with us 30-40 years, remain part of the continuing story of John’s," Anderson said. "There is great mutual affection and respect between Paul and our employees, and we are thrilled that Paul and Jan are enthusiastic about maintaining the character of the restaurant. They assure us that nothing will change, and Nick and I will assist in whatever way we can to be sure that the transition will be seamless."
Dauber and Siegel will appear before the CB3 SLA committee on Aug. 22 for a new liquor license.
"Nick and I plan to be at the Community Board meeting in their support," Anderson said.
In August 2014, a deal to sell John's to a team led by Brett Rasinski, who reopened the revamped Beatrice Inn,
ended up not materializing.
Sitnycky and Alpert bought John's from the founding Pucciatti family in 1972. Sitnysky, who grow up on Avenue B, owns the building at 302 E. 12th St. Alpert died on July 13, 2013, at age 71.
Previously on EV Grieve:
About the new ownership for 105-year-old East Village institution John's of 12th Street
Report: Deal for East Village treasure John's of 12th Street is off
Out and About in the East Village with Nick Sitnycky
Part 1 and
Part 2
The John's of 12th Street documentary premieres next month
Q-and-A with Vanessa McDonnell, director of the John's of 12th Street documentary