As we first reported last December, John's of East 12th Street, the 106-year-old East Village treasure, was about to begin its fourth generation of ownership. A team led by Brett Rasinski, who reopened the revamped Beatrice Inn, was expected to take over the operations here.
However, that deal reportedly has fallen through. Eater has the scoop:
The iconic restaurant is currently "not on the market" owner Nick Sitnycky tells Eater, and any future deal would require that the decor and menu remain unchanged and the staff "looked after."
Last December, Rasinski told us that he was "approaching this venture as a preservationist."
And!
"As an East Village resident, and a longtime patron of John's, I understand the historical relevance of the space, as well as the importance of its position in our neighborhood. That is why I was so adamant about securing the property."
So perhaps then the menu, decor and staffing were going to change after all.
Sitnycky and Mike 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.
[Photo of Nick Sitnycky for EVG last December by James Maher]
Previously on EV Grieve:
About the new ownership for 105-year-old East Village institution John's of 12th Street
Out and About in the East Village with Nick Sitnycky Part 1 and Part 2