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| New York's Tavern on the Green. Photo: Paul Hawthorne/Getty Images |
Jennifer Oz LeRoy, the chief executive of the restaurant, said the Chapter 11 filing is "our only alternative given the current situation." On Aug. 28, the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation awarded Dean Poll a 20-year operating license for the space on the west side of Central Park. The LeRoy family has run the restaurant since the 1970s.
But will Tavern on the Green remain open in the interim?
"We plan to honor all of our obligations to our loyal employees and customers until our lease expires at the end of the year," LeRoy said in a statement released to Slashfood.
According to a report in the New York Times, the restaurant owes 20 creditors including the New York Hotel Trades Council (owed $1,778,764), American Express ($79,096) and the parks department ($76,923).
Poll's plans to rehab the restaurant include $25 million in capital improvements, including the addition of green technologies, as well as preserving both the original Victorian structure as well as the 1950s renovation. He'll take over the lease on Jan. 1, 2010. It's unclear whether or not the space will retain the Tavern on the Green name.
Tavern on the Green
Carriages and taxi cabs take diners to the fabled Tavern on the Green in New York City. The city's Parks Department has called for proposals for a new leaseholder for the historic eatery, hoping for a major renovation of the landmark to better integrate the Tavern into Central Park. In Aug. 2009, they awarded the bid to Dean Poll, who runs the Loeb Boathouse in the park.
manicmaurice, Flickr
The entrance to New York's Tavern on the Green in New York City. Operated by the LeRoy family since the 1970s, the restaurant could change hands as the New York City Parks Department calls for proposals for a major renovation and new 20-year lease of the historic site. The family hopes to win the lease from the city.
thomwatson, Flickr
Lanterns hang from the white-lit trees at the Tavern on the Green restaurant in Central Park. The Tavern was originally a Victorian Gothic barn called the Sheepfold, which housed the herd that grazed on Sheep Meadow in the 19th century. The restaurant is reportedly the most successful in New York and may soon change hands as New York calls for proposals for the historic space for a new 20-year lease.
Jose Azel, AURORA Getty Images
Lanterns decorate the trees at night in the courtyard of Tavern on the Green in New York City.
Kate Allen, Flickr
Tavern on the Green guests dine under the lanterns in the courtyard of the famed restaurant.
Kate Allen, Flickr
The courtyard of Tavern on the Green in Central Park, New York City.
Paul Hawthorne, Getty Images
New York's Tavern on the Green as seen from a street within Central Park.
thomwatson, Flickr
Tavern on the Green in New York's Central Park as seen from a drive within the park.
Majorie Lipan, Flickr
Tell us your memories of Tavern on the Green in the comments below.
[Via New York Times]
9-10-2009 @12:35PM Gary said... The place is an overpriced tourist trap anyway...
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9-10-2009 @2:34PM margaret said... Warner LeRoy did an INCREDABILE job revamping "The Tavern"...It was always a pleasure to go there ! I feel sorry that the economy has struck down this wonderful place...I know it has been a real labor of love for Jennifer LeRoy...We wish her all the best...She will be missed!!!
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9-10-2009 @2:52PM Mike said... No doubt they'd be able to limp along until better times if not for the so-called "stimulus" that killed all hope for a strong, fast recovery.
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9-10-2009 @3:29PM MICKEY said... Oh boo-hoo, who cares!!!!! They probably charge $50 for a hamburger and $75 to park a mile away. New York sucks at best.
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9-10-2009 @4:05PM Sam I Am said...
Spoken like some poor slob out in the sticks who can't afford New York in the first place.
(smooch)
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9-10-2009 @4:17PM allenschroeder3 said... The question to be asked is: Were their prices sky-high in relation to what is being served and how well? Even the very wealthy know when something is overpriced, and word passes. Could that be the case here? If so, aw shucks!
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9-10-2009 @4:34PM jjd said... after spending a lifetime in the restaurant business i can honestly say that if poll invests 25 million in this place he should be committed. 'the tavern' has always been over-rated. well, its his money, if he wants to waste it, let him.
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9-10-2009 @4:52PM jobies said... I have to say the rudest waiters I ever experienced was at Tavern on the Green. They were not great at their jobs and were nasty to boot. I wanted to not leave a tip but my sister wasn't brave enough to let me "pay" them for their service appropriately. so i only Left 10%.
The food was also fair at best. I have to say the only reason we went was because it was Christmas and we wanted to experience the ambience. It was the first and last time i went there.
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9-10-2009 @4:52PM Tom said... It is about time! This was airplane food on the ground.
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9-10-2009 @4:57PM jobies said... Tom....Well said!
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9-10-2009 @4:57PM Enjoylife said... Having had the pleasure of dining at the "Tavern" many times,I can attest to the quality of service, the quality and presentation of the food and the decor.
I have never found the prices out of line and very reasonable for a "name" restaurant in a major city.
I would have to question spending $25 million that needs to be amortized over a 20 year lease.That's a $1.25 million/yr. addition to operating costs over current.
But, I hope they can build on the foundation that has been layed.
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9-10-2009 @5:44PM Ken Scharabok said... It always amazes me how someone can buy a failing business, pump a LOT of money into it and then expect it to be a successful venture.
Where was Gordon Ramsay when they needed him?
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9-10-2009 @6:09PM dls031568 said... what a shame........first the russian tea room and now this.......
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9-10-2009 @7:00PM Martha said... Several years ago my family decided to forego gift giving and travel from Califoria to experience Christmas in New York. We had Christmas dinner at the Tavern on the Green and it was fabulous.
Food great and all in a good mood. I am saddened to hear that the Tavern is in trouble. Thank you for making our Christmas that year so memorable.
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9-10-2009 @7:20PM Sally said... On one of our many trips to NYC the family went to have lunch at Taven on the Green. the prices were no more expensive than any other restaruant in NYC. We truely enjoyed the food and the atmosphere. We got to eat outside and being from the south it was great to get a great glass of Sweet Tea.
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9-10-2009 @7:38PM Ann said... I ate there a few years ago. The food was bad and expensive.
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9-13-2009 @2:24PM LK said... THIS IS ONE OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL RESTAURANTS IN NEW YORK CITY.
THE LOCATION IS TERRIFIC AND IT'S HARD TO BELIEVE SUCH A COMBINATION COULD FAIL. HOWEVER, ANYONE FROM THE CITY, ( OR FREQUENT VISITORS), KNOW IT HAS ALWAYS HAD THE WORST FOOD IMAGINABLE. HOPEFULLY, THE NEW OWNERS WILL CREATE FOOD QUALITY TO MATCH THE SETTING. GOOD LUCK TO THE NEW CHEF!!
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