Keens Steakhouse, one of the oldest restaurants in New York City, has been sold to a Texas-based restaurant group.
Tilman Fertitta, the billionaire owner of the Houston Rockets and CEO of Landry’s hospitality, reportedly bought the Midtown chophouse and its 16,000-square-foot property for $30 million, according to Crain’s New York.
Landry’s is the company behind Rainforest Café, Corner Store and Bubba Gump Shrimp, among other fine-dining and fast-casual chains.
Keens Steakhouse was opened by Albert Keen in 1885 after he worked as part of the Lambs Club, a noted theater and literary group. The 36th St. steakhouse quickly became a hangout for writers and actors, some of whom would scramble into the rear door for a quick mutton chop between acts at the nearby Garrick Theatre.
Keens later became a clubhouse for pipe-smoking in the early 20th century, with Teddy Roosevelt, Babe Ruth, General Douglas MacArthur, “Buffalo Bill” Cody and Albert Einstein counted among its members.
George Schwarz, a radiation oncologist turned restaurateur, took over the steakhouse in the 1970s and turned it back into a destination eatery with fans including Anthony Bourdain. Schwarz died in 2016, handing the business off to general manager Bonnie Jenkins.
“We looked for a buyer that agreed to allow our team to continue to operate and manage Keens in the same tradition it has been for the past 140 years,” Jenkins told Eater NY. “Tilman appreciates our old-world charm and unique museum-like dining experience, and I am grateful that we will continue to serve our community and visitors from all over the world while preserving our iconic restaurant for years to come.”
On top of its stakes in restaurants like Blue Fin and Dos Caminos, Landry’s also owns hotels, casinos and theme parks.
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