Legendary singer Neil Diamond is heartbroken that a longstanding New York City fixture, Rosie O’ Grady’s, is set to close after 43 years.
The iconic restaurant located on Seventh Avenue and West 52nd Street, known for its welcoming atmosphere and its steak and seafood offerings will officially close its doors on July 1st, along with their event space, Manhattan Manor.
The saloon was frequented by musicians, celebrities, Broadway actors, locals and tourists over the decades.
Owner Mike Carty said people from all over the world would come to Rosie O’Gradys it made them feel like ‘home.’ One of those people was longtime patron, Neil Diamond, who was a customer for 20 years, said ‘it honestly broke my heart, Fox 5 New York reported.
Carty said the business was hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic and his skyhigh $3 million a year rent made it difficult to remain in business.
Carty also said a proposed agreement with the landlord to do partial rent payments fell through making the situation more dire.
Property owner SL Green, of the Rosie O’ Grady’s location, claimed that the restaurant had ‘millions in unpaid rent,’ and currently will be seeking a new tenant.
‘After working with Rosie O’Grady’s for several years to address millions in unpaid rent, they decided to abandon the lease,’ a spokesperson for SL Green said.
‘We will now look for another tenant to fill this important space on 7th Avenue,’ they said.
The restaurant announced the news on its website informing patrons- old and new – to come in for ‘one last pint at Rosie’s Bar.’
‘It is with a mixture of emotions that we announce the closure of our cherished location on the corner of 52nd Street and 7th Avenue after more than 40 wonderful years.
‘Our final day of operation at this venue will be Saturday, July 1, 2023.
We want to express our deepest gratitude to all who have supported Rosie O’Grady’s Steakhouse and our event space, Manhattan Manor, throughout our time here and would so enjoy seeing you for one last pint at Rosie’s Bar, a delightful meal in the main dining room, or a late-night drink in our Broadway Pub before we bid farewell to this location.
In the memo, they also shared that they are also planning relocate their restaurant somewhere else. Though it is unclear at this time where that will be.
‘Amidst the bittersweet goodbye, we want to convey our unwavering commitment to relocating our restaurant and event space to a nearby location.
‘Rest assured, our new venue will capture the essence and spirit that you have come to love at Rosie O’Grady’s Steakhouse and Manhattan Manor.’
