Tavern on the Green Up for Grabs

The Parks Department, which controls the lease to the notoriously mediocre and tacky restaurant currently known as Tavern on the Green in Central Park, has finally stepped in to yank the place back from Jennifer Oz LeRoy, who inherited the business from her late father Warner. As promised, Parks officials are now seeking potential operators with "imaginative and thoughtful proposals that will respect the architectural intent of the original building and its location within the park landscape." Last year it was rumored that Donald Trump, Nobu owner Drew Nieporent, and Danny "Shake Shack" Meyer were "circling the restaurant like vultures." But it's doubtful that LeRoy, whose grandfather Mervyn produced The Wizard of Oz, will let go without a fight; her father brought the place back from the dead in 1974, and she recently promised Page Six that she will "refuse to sell the soul of Oz." Of course, the only catch is that it's not hers to sell.

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By John Del Signore in Food on February 2, 2009 1:42 PM

Comments [rss]

matty

I took my mother to tavern on the green for mothers day and the place was a fucking joke. The waiters were coked to the gills, the food was garbage and there was a wedding with blaring house music coming from the interior.

Total shit the owners should be evicted so they can turn it into something that actually respects the beauty of the building.

NannyState

An Olive Garden?

matty

hah! actually the contrarian in me would love to see that happen.

Mr Mel

I eat out a lot. I have been to Tavern on the Green, perhaps 20 or so times. Each time it was for a catered affair to which I had been invited. The food was plentiful, but ordinary. If I had to pay for a meal there, at the menu prices, I would have never gone back. Let the bidding begin. I understand that it is one of the country's largest grossing restaurants, so no matter what the current rent is, it's not enough. Of course if they get another operator and they're selling $40 entrees, I probably wouldn't go back anyway. It's good for the tourists and for large corporate parties.

GaryK

it only makes sense that Bloompig should get the lease. it would be a great place to showcase his no smoking, no transfat, no salt, no fun, no freedom lifestyle. only jews, billionaires and his cronies may dine there.

Gothampc

This restaurant needs to decide what it's going to be. The last time I was there, someone was having a children's birthday party. My idea of a nice meal doesn't include 20 screaming kids and helium balloons next to you. (This is the place at Christmas that makes you hold your reservation with a credit card). Either it's upscale or Chuck E. Cheese's, but it can't be both.

whitecastlerock

The food there is lousy. tear it down and turn it into a miniature golf course

snoopydog

Ciprianni maybe? Trump would be a nice fit. Starbucks? A sports bar? Kennedy Fried Chicken?

How much are they asking for rent? Is there a rent to buy option?

thefacts

Trump can't buy anything! He's lucky if he can afford to eat there.

His stock went from $2 to 5¢ recently, his grand project in Abu Dhabi is stopped, and Trump SoHo has been a half-completed shell for over a year, and real estate sources say that not a unit there has sold since last February and it is likely going to go into foreclosure.

Trump: "You're fired!"

jackdonaghy

Am I the only person who thinks the food at Tavern is mediocre to bad? The place has rested on the laurels of its aesthetics and location for a long time...

I also think that we already are suffering from Danny Meyer overkill (although I disagree that his food is cafeteria quality). Please no Trump, either. It deserves and needs someone creative in charge.

Aveais Essex

The Parks Department, which controls the lease to the notoriously mediocre and tacky restaurant currently known as Tavern on the Green in Central Park

Yes. You are the only person.

henricus

Shake Shack's owner? You have got to be kidding me. A company that throws cafeteria quality hamburgers and fries at people while charging out of this world prices? Pray someone else gets it.

AvenueHebrew

While their fries are pretty much useless, Shake Shack actually makes good little burgers and dogs - just not quite substantial enough to justify the price. And the titular shakes are, frankly, amazing. But Meyer has also has some credible restaurants to his name (Union Square Cafe, Gramercy Tavern, Blue Smoke), even if Shake Shack is the popular association.

henricus

Ok ok, I give you that their custard is phenomenal. But I can tell you where you can get that same hamburger...and for only a dollar. If you want a real fast food hamburger, go to Five Guys.