Bryant Park Grill to Close, Replaced by Jean-Georges Restaurant

The Bryant Park Grill, a long-standing restaurant in New York City, will close in April and be replaced by a new venture from celebrity chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten. The decision, announced by Dan Biederman of the Bryant Park Corporation, comes after an 18-year lease was awarded to Vongerichten’s team, which was selected over multiple bidders, including the current operator. While the Bryant Park Grill generates nearly $30 million annually, Biederman anticipates the new restaurant could yield up to $40 million in sales. The new establishment will undergo a $12 million renovation and is expected to open by May 2026, with porch seating available by October 2025. Current employees will have the opportunity to apply for jobs at the new restaurant, although the transition may lead to some job losses during the renovation period. The decision has faced pushback from the grill's owner, who argues that the existing restaurant is successful and should not be replaced.