Host Restaurants, the Manhattan-based hospitality company founded by Curt Huegel, is exploring the possibility of bringing a new restaurant to 161 8th Ave, according to a liquor license application.
Huegel has been enriching New York City’s culinary scene since 1992. He has worked as a principal at LDV Hospitality and went on to found Host Restaurants in 2013. Huegel and his team have stacked their portfolio with a variety of restaurants from old-school Italian eateries like Campagnola to neighborhood cafes like Odd Sister. Host Restaurants has expanded their reach in the last few years to Delray Beach, Florida, as well.
Huegel, Joe Cremin and Timothy Hansberry filed as co-owners, and Cremin and Hansberry were listed as proposed managers of the space. All three have worked together at Host Restaurants’ The Sefton, a popular Irish pub on the Upper East Side.
The trio is in the early stages of proposing a gastropub concept at the 161 8th Ave location. Seamore’s Chelsea operated out of the space until its closure in December 2023. Based on the liquor license application, the space can seat 37 indoors and 31 on the sidewalk café.
“It’s a great space and a great neighborhood,” Cremin said. “Our team has always been looking to expand into this area, so we are hopeful this will work out.”
A sample menu was attached to the liquor license for the 161 8th Ave space that resembles The Sefton’s array of small plates and craft cocktails. Sample dishes include miso marinated black cod, steak frites and grilled branzino.
At this time, the owners are exploring leasing options and considering plans for a potential buildout. There is no clear timeline on opening dates at this time.
