Restaurant owners across the U.S. are toiling hard amid changing industry trends. Many food establishments have struggled to stay afloat since the pandemic. Nino’s Ristorante in Manhattan is the latest example. However, thanks to a turn of tables, they will now continue to stay open.
Highlights
- Nino’s Ristorante will not close in June as was announced earlier this year.
- The Italian food establishment will shift to a new NYC location, replacing a 53-year-old French restaurant.
- Nino’s Ristorante is a popular eating spot with a guest list that included James Gandolfini and Chelsea Clinton.
Nino’s Ristorante to Shift to A New NY Location
Nino’s Ristorante will take over French restaurant Le Périgord’s location in Manhattan (Source: Google Reviews)
One of New York’s beloved Italian restaurants, Nino’s Ristorante, had announced its closure in January this year. The Uptown mainstay eating establishment had then cited new development taking over in its residential area, which was expected to lead to its demolition.
However, the 35-year-old Italian food place in Manhattan has changed its decision to shut down in June. Instead, Nino’s Ristorante has found a new spot on First Avenue, which was home to French eatery Le Périgord for 53 years.
With this, guests can now continue to enjoy the mouthwatering eats of the NY-based Italian restaurant at 405 East 52nd Street, First Avenue.
Nino’s Ristorante is currently closed. Its owner, Nino Selimaj, is working to use the time to shift their processes, and obtain documents such as a liquor license.
Challenges that Pushed Nino’s Owner to Shut
When Nino’s Ristorante announced its plans to close its Manhattan outlet, Nino Selimaj revealed that the decision was made owing to demolition concerns. The iconic Italian restaurant was slated to make way for Manocherian Brothers’ 23-story, 148-unit establishment.
However, the original contributors to the decision are related to the struggles post-pandemic. The tough period brought new trends, including users’ inclination towards food delivery apps. Even if restaurants tie up with a third-party delivery service, the profit share is often less.
Italian Delicacies by Nino’s Ristorante
Italian dishes at Nino’s Ristorante (Source: Google Reviews)
In its 35 years of culinary service in Uptown Manhattan, the Italian food facility presented tempting eats to the people of NYC. Menu highlights included baked clams, rigatoni alla vodka, chicken Parmesan, and homemade ravioli.
A History of Serving Prominent Guests
The popularity of Nino’s Ristorante can be ascertained from the fact that prominent figures went to the celebrated food establishment in the past. Some of these visitors included the late James Gandolfini, Chelsea Clinton, Angela Lansbury, and Clint Eastwood.
Italian-American Restaurants Are Undergoing A Wave of Closures
Nino’s Ristorante is not the only Italian restaurant in NYC that had to undergo the troubles of shutdown. Bensonhurst neighborhood-based Tomasso and Williamsburg-based Frost have also closed their doors for good in the recent past.
What Lies Ahead for Nino’s Ristorante?
When restaurants shift to a new location or simply follow a revamp process, they come up with renewed energy. The same can be expected for Nino’s Ristorante, which can either come up with menu adjustments or changes in the theme. But in the end, the NYC-based Italian establishment will strive to keep its old charm alive.
