Central Park’s Loeb Boathouse to Reopen this Summer Under New Operator

The famous 1950s restaurant had closed its doors in October due to rising prices for raw materials and labor. In the middle of autumn, the emblematic establishment had to lay off its 163 employees, with no prospect of reopening.

However, solutions had been sought with, among other things, the promise of billionaire Andrew Murstein to offer 6 million dollars to keep the restaurant in operation. But none had succeeded.

In February of this year, Eric Adams and New York City Parks Commissioner Sue Donoghue announced with that the facility would reopen as part of a 10-year agreement with Legends Hospitalitysubject to approval by the Franchise & Concession Review Committee (FCRC).

The prospect of a reopening for the summer then seemed possible.

The city has recently completed negotiations with a new operator, which means that the reopening of the Loeb Boathouse is confirmed for this summer.

Mayor Adams said:

“The Central Park Boathouse has been a much-loved spot for generations of New Yorkers. When it closed last year, many worried about its future. However, our administration quickly took action. measures to preserve this integral part of New York City’s history.Through the swift efforts of NYC Parks, we have selected a new operator who will bring the Boathouse to life, ensuring that tourists and New Yorkers alike can once again enjoy this magnificent space and this landscape”.

Legends Hospitality has pledged to invest $3,250,000 to renovate the building, along with an additional $250,000 for major structural upgrades.

The facility itself has a rich history dating back to the 1860s, but the current structure, officially opened in 1954, is named after philanthropist and investment banker Carl M. Loeb and his wife Adeline, who generously donated donation of $305,000 for its creation. Besides this famous restaurant, visitors could also rent rowboats or take a gondola ride around the beautiful Central Park Lake.

New York City Council member Gale Brewer expressed his joy, saying:

“I am pleased that New Yorkers and visitors from around the world can once again enjoy the restaurant and the boats at this iconic location. Best of all, the new operator is committed to retaining unionized Boathouse workers and honoring their existing contract, which is a significant step forward.”