New on East 12th St., Hip City Veg

The Feil Organization announced Maison Kayser will bring its artisanal breads and baked goods to Union Square, signing a 15-year lease at the historic 841 Broadway for its eighth location in Manhattan.

The bakery will occupy 3,000 sq. ft. on the ground and mezzanine floors of the 108,000 sq. ft., eight-level Romanesque building, where COSI used to be.

“The activity in and around Union Square is buzzing, and the demand for this location was extraordinary, allowing us to maximize the income,” states Nicolas Forelli, director of leasing for The Feil Organization.  “While we were marketing this location, we had an overwhelming response from every food concept you can imagine. With its reputation for quality and unique product for this market, Maison Kayser was the best fit for the building and neighborhood.”

Built in 1894, the Romanesque building is located at the intersection of 13th Street just one block from Union Square Park. In the past year, Feil completely renovated the building, restoring the terracotta façade, creating a brass-accented lobby, and installing new elevators and windows.

Signs announcing “#SaltBae coming soon” have been plastered on a space at 220 Park Avenue South, near Union Square, where a location of Japanese chain Haru Sushi once stood. Salt-sprinkling, internet sensation Nusret Gökçe first brought his famed Turkish steakhouse Nusr-Et to NYC in January, opening a 150-seat restaurant in Midtown.

But if Gökçe is indeed responsible for this signage, it could be slated for something other than a steakhouse. In February, he announced plans for a new burger chain, to be aptly named Salt Bae, telling the New York Post he’s plotting multiple locations in Manhattan and Brooklyn. The signage on the space says just “saltbae,” accompanied by an illustrated version of the butcher.

Critics fell harshly on Nusr-Et, finding the theatrical dinner served overpriced, mediocre steaks. Eater’s own Robert Sietsema described the beef as “a little rubbery” and “low on flavor,” although Pete Wells from the Times seems to have enjoyed his dining experience, going as far as calling the steak “terrific.”

The chain has over a dozen locations around the world, but only one other U.S. location exists in Miami, according to its website.

More branches of Barnes & Noble are closing. Most recently, the huge store at Lincoln Center was shuttered. However, the megastore on the northern edge of Union Square Park is safe.

It looks like our local BID wants to stretch its boundaries as improvements to Union Square and 14th St. continue to be planned.

Some kind of fancy champagne bar will soon be positioned across the street from our front door.