As the breakup of the bankrupt Fireman Hospitality Group continues, a little-known Illinois operator is poised to inherit some of the late Shelly Fireman’s best-known New York names. The New York Post reported that Ciao Hospitality Group will take over Paris Bar, two Brooklyn Diner locations and Brooklyn Deli.
The split of Fireman’s portfolio is lopsided, according to the Post. Landry’s Inc., owned by Tillman Fertitta, now holds Trattoria dell’Arte, Fiorello’s and Bond 45. Ciao, by contrast, gets what the Post describes as the less-successful properties in the group. Fireman’s locations in Washington, D.C., and National Harbor, Maryland, appealed to neither buyer and are closing this month, the Post reported.
Ciao is a young company. Founded in 2024 by Jeff Crivello and Charles Davidson, it is based in Libertyville, Ill., and runs casual brands in various parts of the country, including Cowboy Jack’s, Sally’s Saloon and Berry Divine Acai Bowls. The company’s website says it was founded “to rejuvenate exceptional brands and propel their sustained long-term growth.”
That mission statement will be tested in Manhattan and Brooklyn. Turning around legacy restaurants that came out of a bankruptcy is a different task from running casual regional concepts, and Ciao’s track record in New York is, so far, nonexistent. The Post’s report did not say what changes the new owner plans for the Fireman locations, and details of the transactions were not provided.
In a separate real estate item, Dolce & Gabbana is relocating its offices to the Fred D. French Building at 551 Fifth Ave., at East 45th Street. The Midtown landmark has been repositioned by the Feil Organization. The fashion house will move from 546 Fifth Ave., just across the street.
The asking rent on D&G’s 21,000 square feet was $65 per square foot, according to the Post. Based on that figure, the asking rent works out to roughly $1.4 million a year, though actual terms of the deal were not disclosed.
The recently modernized French Building is about 85% leased, the Post reported. It has seen more than 200,000 square feet of recent leasing, with tenants including the National Women’s Soccer League and the law firm Sadis & Goldberg.
The two stories point to the same Midtown reality. Established names are reshuffling, whether through a bankruptcy-driven restaurant handoff or a short hop across Fifth Avenue to a freshly upgraded building. For tenants, newly repositioned space is drawing deals. For hospitality, the question is whether a new operator can make struggling legacy brands work again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which restaurants is Ciao Hospitality Group taking over from Fireman Hospitality Group?
Ciao Hospitality Group will take over Paris Bar, two Brooklyn Diner locations and Brooklyn Deli, according to the New York Post as cited in the article. Landry’s Inc. received Trattoria dell’Arte, Fiorello’s and Bond 45 from the same bankrupt portfolio.
Why is Fireman Hospitality Group being broken up?
Fireman Hospitality Group is bankrupt, and its portfolio is being divided among buyers following the death of its founder, the late Shelly Fireman. The article does not detail the bankruptcy proceedings beyond this.
Where is Dolce & Gabbana moving its New York offices?
Dolce & Gabbana is moving 21,000 square feet from 546 Fifth Ave. to the Fred D. French Building at 551 Fifth Ave., at East 45th Street. The building has been repositioned by the Feil Organization.
What is the asking rent for Dolce & Gabbana’s new Fifth Avenue space?
The asking rent is $65 per square foot, roughly $1.4 million a year, according to the New York Post as reported in the article. The article notes that actual deal terms were not disclosed.
What is Ciao Hospitality Group?
Ciao Hospitality Group is a young company founded in 2024 by Jeff Crivello and Charles Davidson and based in Libertyville, Illinois. It runs casual brands such as Cowboy Jack’s, Sally’s Saloon and Berry Divine Acai Bowls.
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