90 Seconds to Napoli

The long-troubled TGI Fridays in Union Square is finally set to close, as the building goes on the market. “Union Square is so hot down there these days with real quality restaurants it just doesn’t compete well,” explains operator Dennis Riese.

First Au Bon Pain kicks the bucket, and now Tisserie at corner of Union Sq. West and 17th is gone as well.

Everything, including all those candles, is on deep discount, so hurry in.

Cosi, which closed on the corner of 13th and 6th a while back, finally has a new tenant: PinoMaximo, an all-things-Italian place specializing in pizza and gelato. Not open yet, but looks tasty.

Laura Maniec, one of only eighteen female master sommeliers in the world and, at 31, currently the youngest, is about to open her own studio and wine bar. Maniec, who served as wine director at BR Guest for ten years and has just launched the wine program at Niko, has signed a lease on a space at 13 East 13th Street in Union Square and plans to unveil Corkbuzz in May. “It will be an extension of your living room and a place for all things wine,” she tells us. In addition to serving vintages from all over the world, Corkbuzz will offer small plates from oysters and sea urchin to pastas and cheese. The 2,500-square-foot space will also host classes, tastings, and events.

The Union Square Partnership Business and Broker Report for the 1st quarter updates us on what’s new and pulsating in the neighborhood.

Union Square has started the year off on a high note with 10 new business openings and foot traffic recovering to 99% of 2019 levels, a 4% increase from the last quarter. Newcomers include a range of quick service eateries and high-profile sit down establishments, such as the new Coastal Indian
restaurant Kanyakumari from well-regarded Fungi Hospitality. Popular mattress retailer Saatva joined the established home goods corridor on Broadway, and Sweet Cats Cafe brings more family-friendly entertainment to the neighborhood.