One of New York City’s most famous steakhouses is now under new ownership.
Billionaire Tilman Fertitta bought Keens Steakhouse for $300 million, Bloomberg reported Thursday. The restaurant has been around since the 1880s, and its fare is loved by locals and tourists alike, including big names like the late chef Anthony Bourdain.
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“This is a jewel of New York,” Fertitta told Bloomberg. Keens “will continue to be one of the best events in New York City.” (Through a spokesman, Fertitta declined to comment Robb Report.)
Keens was the former owner of Dr. George Schwarz, who died in 2016 and left the restaurant to his estate. Since then, it has been managed and operated by the staff of the steakhouse, led by general manager Bonnie Jenkins.
“We sought a buyer who agreed to allow our team to continue operating and managing Keens in the same tradition it has been for the past 140 years,” Jenkins, trustee of Schwarz’s estate, said in a statement. “I believe George would be pleased to know that our new owner, Tilman Fertitta, is committed to preserving the legacy of our historic brand. Keens is one of Manhattan’s oldest neighborhoods and one of the most unique dining experiences in all of New York City. Tilman values our world-class charm and unique museum as a dining experience, and I believe that we will continue to serve our community and visitors from all over the world while maintaining our restaurant for years to come.”
Fertitta has long been involved in the hospitality industry. Chairman and CEO of Houston-based Landry’s, he oversees restaurants such as Morton’s the Steakhouse, Mastro’s, Strip House, Catch, and the newly opened Corner Store in NYC However, Fertitta himself bought Keens, not Landry’s, and it will remain a partnership.
Worth $15 billion, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, Fertitta has been buying more than just meat. Earlier this year, he spent $450 million on the River Oaks District luxury mall in Texas, which includes stores such as Cartier and Hèrmes. As owner of the Houston Rockets as well, his footprint in the Lone Star State is huge. With the purchase of Keens, however, he is making his presence known in the Big Apple once again.