Who Owns This Green Tavern Anyway?
So, you’ve been wondering who’s the lucky duck calling Tavern on the Green their own, huh? Well, buckle up, because this story is as juicy as a well-done steak.
A Sheepish Beginning
Believe it or not, this iconic NYC eatery started life as a humble sheepfold. Yeah, you read that right. Back in the 1880s, it was all about the wool, not the wine. Can you imagine sipping a cosmopolitan while a fluffy sheep stares at you?
The Big Apple Bites Back
Fast forward a few decades, and Robert Moses, the city planner with a penchant for grand gestures, decided to turn this woolly wonderland into a restaurant. Talk about a career change! And thus, Tavern on the Green was born.
A Tale of Two Owners
Now, here’s where things get interesting. For years, the city owned the name, but the actual running of the place was in private hands. It was like renting out your dream apartment but keeping the keys to the liquor cabinet.
Then came the drama. Legal battles, accusations of trademark theft, and more twists than a pretzel. It was like a real-life soap opera, but with better food.
The Happy Ending (Kinda)
Eventually, the city won back full ownership of the name, and in 2014, new owners, Jim Caiola and David Salama, took the reins. They’ve been working hard to restore the Tavern to its former glory, and from what we hear, they’re doing a pretty good job.
So, to answer your burning question: Tavern on the Green is currently owned by Jim Caiola and David Salama, but the name itself belongs to the city. It’s a complicated love story, but hey, that’s New York for you!
How To... Tavern on the Green Edition
- How to impress your date: Book a table at Tavern on the Green. Just don't mention the sheep.
- How to feel like a New Yorker: Order a classic Tavern on the Green dish, like the Lobster Thermidor.
- How to experience a bit of history: Take a walk around the Central Park location and imagine its past life as a sheepfold.
- How to avoid disappointment: Check the opening hours before you go. This place is popular!
- How to enjoy the full Tavern experience: Don't rush. Soak up the atmosphere and enjoy every bite.
