MTA will replace Grand Central Terminal’s old eateries with more ritzy ones

At Grand Central Terminal, it’s in with the new, out with the old. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority said it will replace stores that have served the busy terminal’s commuters for over two decades–Junior’s, Two Boots Pizza, Grand Harvest Wines–with more upscale shops. As the New York Post reported, new stores include Art Bird & Whiskey Bar, run by Oprah Winfrey’s former personal chef, Art Smith, and Tartinery, an open-face sandwich vendor. The restaurant refashioning process is expected to run through 2018.

The Great Northern Food Hall currently operates out of Grand Central, photo via NYC&Company

The MTA will issue five requests for proposals for existing retail spots by the end of the year, with three being issued already. In 2018, 12 RFPs will go out. A spokesperson for the MTA told the Post: “Heading into the next two years, we expect a hastening pace of RFPs for retail spaces at Grand Central.”

The push to go posh at the storied terminal is expected to raise rental income by 7 percent this year, compared with 4.5 percent in 2016 and 1.1 percent in 2015. Art Bird will pay $4.1 million in rent over 10 years. Irving Farm and Dishes, both casual, grab-and-go eateries with roughly 1,200-square-feet each, will also be replaced.

Tartinery, known for its fresh sandwiches and salads, will be taking up residence in Grand Central. The French restaurant already occupies space at two food halls in the city: The Plaza and Hudson Eats at Brookfield Place. Will Grand Central, which is already home to the Nordic Great Northern Food Hall, join the list of trendy food hall spots?

[Via NY Post]

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