South African fast-casual chain Nando’s is launching a New York City pop-up in Soho, signaling a potential permanent expansion for the peri peri chicken brand. The event at 341 Broome Street will feature free food and World Cup watch parties across select dates in late June and early July. Elsewhere in the city, restaurant shifts include the takeover of the former Leopard at des Artistes space, the preservation of Lure Fishbar following a lease negotiation with Prada, and the temporary closure of Dimes Square staple Kiki’s.
Nando’s Soho Pop-Up Details
Nando’s will host a New York City pop-up at 341 Broome Street, at Bowery, featuring free chicken wings, burgers, and sauces. The event series includes live music and World Cup watch parties. Operating hours are scheduled for Saturday, June 27 (noon to 3 p.m.); July 2 and 3 (noon to 4 p.m.); July 4 (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.); July 9 and 10 (noon to 4 p.m.); and July 11 (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.). While the brand has not confirmed a permanent location, the scale of the Soho activation suggests a likely future entry into the city’s brick-and-mortar market.
Did You Know? The Leopard at des Artistes, which recently shuttered after nearly 25 years of operation inside the Hotel Des Artistes, is set to be replaced by a new French American restaurant concept from partners Max Katzenberg and Ariel Arce.
Status of Soho and Lower East Side Establishments
Lure Fishbar will remain open after owner John McDonald secured a long-term sublease for the space, according to the New York Post. The fashion brand Prada, which operates a store in the building, had previously wanted to expand and take over Lure for its Pasticceria Marchesi. Meanwhile, the cocktail bar Double Double Chicken Please has expanded into the ice cream market with its new shop, Unnecessary, located at 66 Delancey Street. The shop, which features “mixology-inspired” boozy and non-boozy flavors, began operations on June 18 with a full launch set for June 26.
Expert Insight: The contrast between the expansion of high-profile brands like Nando’s into temporary pop-up spaces and the forced closure of long-standing local favorites like Kiki’s highlights the volatility of the current Manhattan hospitality market. While lease negotiations can save established venues like Lure Fishbar from luxury retail encroachment, tax-related closures remain a persistent threat to smaller operators.
Recent Restaurant Closures and Service Changes
Kiki’s in Dimes Square is closed following a tax-related seizure, according to Caper. Co-owner Pavlos Sierros owes a lot of money in a mix of business and personal taxes and accumulated interest, though the restaurant is currently serving customers at its secondary location across the street. Additionally, the Fort Greene restaurant Strange Delight has paused weekday daytime service following the departure of pastry chef Amanda Perdomo. Her pastries remain available at Canyon Coffee in Prospect Heights.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is happening with the space formerly occupied by The Leopard at des Artistes?
The Air Cafe LLC has filed for the 1 West 67th Street address to open a French American restaurant, according to filings presented to Community Board 7.
Will Kiki’s continue to serve food?
Yes, despite the seizure of the original location for tax nonpayments, the restaurant is currently operating out of its other location across the street.
Where can fans find Strange Delight pastries now?
While Strange Delight has suspended weekday daytime service, the restaurant confirmed that its pastries are still available at Canyon Coffee in Prospect Heights.
How has the local restaurant landscape shifted for you this week?
