When the Four Seasons leaves its longtime location inside the Seagram Building this July, 130 people will be left jobless, as the restaurant's owners have yet to decide on a new location. According to the NY Post, this was indicated on a recent Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification filing, which said that the restaurant is closing for economic reasons.
Indeed, earlier this year it was revealed that the Four Seasons's lease at 375 Park Avenue would increase from $20 per square foot to $105 per square foot. At the time, co-owner Julian Niccolini was optimistic, saying that "We've been here since 1959, and we'll be here for another 15 years." But more recently, Eater reported that Niccolini and his co-owner Alex von Bidder were scouting new locations, but hoping to find somewhere within five minutes walking distance of the original.
"It is unfortunate," Niccolini told the Post of the loss of jobs. "Some will go on vacation, some will retire, some will go to work for other people."
Niccolini recently pleaded guilty to an instance of sexual abuse that took place in the restaurant last year. He was sentenced to a "conditional discharge," which means that he won't do any time provided he doesn't break the law in the year following his sentencing.
This week, it was announced that the Four Seasons will be auctioning off its historic furnishings in advance of the takeover by new owners. Wright Auctions will oversee the sale, and items up for auction include banquettes from The Grill Room, the suite of Barcelona seating from the travertine lobby, and custom Tulip tables with polished bronze tops. The auction will be on July 26th, and a public preview will begin July 20th.
