The iconic Four Seasons Restaurant in New York City, which reopened in a new location less than a year ago after serving power lunches in its original space since 1959, will close after Tuesday’s lunch service, the restaurant announced.
“We have been privileged to work with one of the finest culinary teams and outstanding staff that has stayed with us through some challenging times over the course of our history,” Managing Partner Alex von Bidder wrote on The Four Seasons’ website. “We thank our loyal guests for the opportunity and support over the years.”
Von Bidder told The New York Times, “We just couldn’t make it; the restaurant world has changed.”
Von Bidder’s business partner, Julian Niccolini, was forced to resign from the restaurant late last year after facing multiple sexual misconduct allegations over many years.
In reviewing The Four Seasons in its new space, New York Times critic Pete Wells took away one of the restaurant’s stars, stating that Niccolini’s “actions have done serious damage” to making diners feel safe and comfortable in the space.
A group of investors spent $30 million on the new Four Seasons Restaurant location three blocks away from the restaurant’s longtime Seagram Building home. It opened last August.
In its heyday, The Four Seasons ranked as one of the country’s highest-grossing independent restaurants. It was known to attract celebrities and A-list players from the worlds of business, entertainment, media, sports and more.
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