Cafe Fiorello is more than 50 years old, and is a Lincoln Center neighborhood mainstay. Photo: Shutterstock
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The multi-concept group behind iconic longstanding New York City restaurants like Café Fiorello and Trattoria Dell’Arte filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on Sunday.
The filing in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York comes less than a year after visionary founder Sheldon (Shelly) Fireman died at the age of 93.
His Fireman Hospitality Group (which also did business as Café Concepts) was known for restaurants in New York City’s theater district, as well as locations in prime tourist spots near Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center. The group also operates some of the concepts in Washington, D.C.
Nine restaurants were open as of the filing, employing about 800 people, according to court documents.
The oldest restaurant within the portfolio is Café Fiorello, which has been operating for more than 50 years and was apparently famous for its vegetable antipasto bar. Across the street from Lincoln Center, it was a popular pre-theater dining spot, open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as late night dining post-performance.
Trattoria Dell’Arte, likewise, is across from Carnegie Hall, and is known for oversized sculptures and a gallery of portraits of “famous Italian noses” on the wall.
Other concepts included Brooklyn Diner, Brooklyn Deli, Paris Bar, Le Jardin, Bond 45, Fiorella Italian Kitchen, and Redeye Grill.
The company said the restaurants were defined by “high-quality, freshly prepared cuisine ranging from classic Italian cooking and abundant antipasto displays to American grill fare and elevated renditions of diner classics, served in spacious, art-filled marquee locations,” according to the filing.
In the bankruptcy filing, the company is seeking joint administration to consolidate the various companies operating each location under SMF Group Inc. Jordan Meyers was appointed chief restructuring officer.
Among unsecured claims, the company collectively owes nearly $6 million in rent and more than $3 million in sales taxes, according to the filing.
The restaurant group did not immediately respond to requests for more information.
Dining and Cooking