Megan West(erby)

"The Riese Organization just purchased 34 Union Square (between 15th and 16th), formerly home to Zen Palate and plans to install a Friday’s and a bonus Tim Horton’s in the space. Its been vacant in the two years since Zen Palate vacated due to “astronomical and non-negotiable increases” in their rent, a rent that has dropped 40% in the last six months. Choice quote: “…while many chefs in the district purchase food from the popular green market there, T.G.I. Friday’s will not join them, says Mr. Riese. ‘We are not that type of restaurant…’” Indeed."

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Eater: APOCALYPSE: TGI Friday’s Coming to Union Square

Not to get too down on NY today, because I still miss it like whoah, but Union Square used to feel like a shiny secret in your pocket. In yours and a million other New Yorkers’, sure, but it was full of places undiscovered by the millions of people who don’t live in NYC, who don’t have to put up with NYC. NY is at its most appealing when it’s a dirty secret, full of places you need to be a local to know.

18 August 2009 ·