Cafe Fiorello, the Italian chophouse that has faced Lincoln Center on the Upper West Side since 1974, is changing hands. Texas billionaire restaurateur Tilman Fertitta, who also owns the NBA’s Houston Rockets, is taking over three Manhattan mainstays from the bankrupt Fireman Hospitality Group: Trattoria dell’Arte, Fiorello’s and Bond 45.

The deal is a $22 million purchase, done in conjunction with Ciao Hospitality Group, which will act as the new operator, according to the New York Post. The Post reports it as a Landry’s acquisition, referring to Fertitta’s restaurant company. Eater New York, which flagged the sale, is the source for the details here.

Not every Fireman restaurant is coming along. The group’s two Washington, D.C. restaurants, the recently opened Cafe Fiorello and Fiorella Italian Kitchen & Pizzeria, are both closing this October as part of the deal, as Eater DC first reported.

For Fertitta, buying legacy restaurants has become a pattern. He has already picked up Keens steakhouse in New York and Union Oyster House in Boston, both of which date to the 1800s. His portfolio under the Landry’s umbrella includes steakhouse chains Morton’s, Mastro’s, Del Frisco’s and Strip House, along with the Mexican cafe chain Dos Caminos and the sushi bar Blue Fin. He is also a part owner of New York’s Catch Group, which runs Corner Store, the Eighty Six, Or’esh and Cafe Charmant. According to Eater, he is keeping up that pace even while serving as President Donald Trump’s appointed ambassador to Italy.

Fireman’s group started to show strain after the pandemic, per the Post’s reporting as summarized by Eater. The death of its founder, Shelly Fireman, last fall at age 93 didn’t help, and the company was left with nearly $10 million in secured claims. This summer the group also closed RedEye Grill, the home of the famous dancing shrimp, across from Carnegie Hall after three decades.

For now, the reporting covers ownership and operations, not the menus or the rooms. The source material says nothing about changes planned for the three Manhattan restaurants, so what diners will find at Cafe Fiorello’s tables once the deal settles is still an open question.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is buying Cafe Fiorello across from Lincoln Center?

Texas billionaire Tilman Fertitta, who also owns the NBA’s Houston Rockets, is acquiring Cafe Fiorello and two other Manhattan restaurants from the bankrupt Fireman Hospitality Group. The deal is done in conjunction with Ciao Hospitality Group, which will act as the new operator.

How much is Tilman Fertitta paying for the Fireman Hospitality Group restaurants?

The acquisition of the three Manhattan restaurants, Trattoria dell’Arte, Fiorello’s and Bond 45, is a $22 million purchase. The article does not specify a separate price for the Washington, D.C. locations.

Why is Fireman Hospitality Group selling its restaurants?

The group began to show strain after the pandemic, and the death of founder Shelly Fireman last fall at age 93 added to its difficulties. The company was left with nearly $10 million in secured claims and has gone bankrupt.

Are the Washington, D.C. Fireman restaurants closing?

Yes, Fireman’s two Washington, D.C. restaurants, Cafe Fiorello and Fiorella Italian Kitchen & Pizzeria, are closing this October as part of the sale. Only the three Manhattan restaurants are included in the deal.

Does Tilman Fertitta own other famous New York restaurants?

Yes, Fertitta previously acquired Keens steakhouse in New York, which dates to the 1800s, and he has a stake in New York’s Catch Group, which runs Corner Store, the Eighty Six, Or’esh and Cafe Charmant. His Landry’s portfolio also includes Morton’s, Mastro’s, Del Frisco’s and Strip House.

Editorial Transparency. A first draft of this story was produced with AI-assisted writing tools, then reviewed for accuracy and tone by the named editor before publication. More on our process: Editorial Policy.