And there was some understandable concern that the timeless NYC steakhouse, which opened in 1977, might not be returning. (And it didn't help that there wasn't any messaging coming from the restaurant about the pandemic-related closure.)
However, Robin Raisfeld and Rob Patronite have reported some very good news at New York this week via managing partner Ron D’Allegro: "Not only will the restaurant be reopening within weeks, he says, but 'I'm just about to re-sign a new lease for another 12 years.' The only thing holding him up, D'Allegro says, is permits and inspections."
Turns out that they needed a new exhaust system in the restaurant, a project that took place during part of the state-mandated shutdown.
During the pandemic, the Knickerbocker received a PPP loan and raised nearly $70,000 via a GoFundMe, whose contributors include nearby neighbor F. Murray Abraham. They were also reportedly able to renegotiate a lease with the building's condo board. landlord. (See the comments for more on this!)
In the weeks ahead expect to see some of the familiar staff, who had been furloughed, including the longtime executive chef. However, no live jazz for the time being... but they will have sidewalk seating for the very first time.