Call it a Comeback! Cafe des Artistes Could Reopen

Cafe des Artistes, the 92-year-old grand dame of the Upper West Side restaurant scene that closed this summer, could reopen under new ownership once the current owners get through with their bankruptcy proceedings. Numerous investors are interested in reviving the cafe, building manager Gerard Picaso told Crain’s New York.

Cafe des Artistes reported nearly $500,000 in debts in its bankruptcy filing, including more than $100,000 owed to a union benefit trust. Whether the restaurant reopens may hinge on the union. Local 100 of Unite HERE may have the right to continue its contract with whoever buys the restaurant, which could affect the sale. (flickr photo by sjmcdonough)

Cafe des Artistes May Rise Again (Crain’s NY)