Handler Real Estate Organization signs retail anchor Wasabi to long-term renewal at 561 7th Ave.

Manhattan, NY Handler Real Estate Organization has completed a long-term renewal with anchor retail tenant Wasabi — a London-based sushi and bento chain — at its 561 7^th Ave. property. Wasabi has occupied the two-floor, 3,400 s/f space since 2014, when it opened this store as its flagship U.S. location.

“Wasabi has been a tremendous tenant, doing significant business as our retail anchor,” said Handler’s principal & CEO Scott Galin, who noted that Wasabi is now joined by other new in-demand hotels and eateries in the immediate area, including Margaritaville, Yard House, and Pink Taco. “Wasabi continues to grow, thriving at 561 7^th Ave. We are thrilled to renew them for the long term.”

Galin noted that Wasabi still had term remaining on its existing lease but chose to sign an early long-term renewal to lock in the space.

The landlord, Handler Real Estate Organization, was represented internally in the Wasabi transaction by Scott Galin, Darell Handler, and Kyle Galin. There was no tenant representative in this transaction.

“We are delighted to be securing Wasabi’s long-term tenancy in this iconic location in Midtown Manhattan,” said Henry Brits, Wasabi’s CEO. 

“Seventh Avenue will continue to be the cornerstone location for our U.S. business, and we look forward to many more years of successful trading. We are particularly pleased to be renewing our lease, having navigated the numerous Covid-related challenges the industry has faced over the past three years with the full support of The Handler Real Estate Organization.”

 Established in 2003, and with 43 locations in the U.K., Wasabi became the first company in London to sell individually wrapped pieces of sushi, with the aim of revolutionizing the lunchtime market and providing a healthy alternative to sandwiches. The restaurant presents sushi and hot authentic dishes such as bento boxes, Chicken Katsu curry, and Teriyaki Chicken, as well as an incredible line of noodle soups. All meals are prepared daily, competitively priced, served in a vibrant, clean, minimalist Japanese setting, with fast, efficient service.

Wasabi’s flagship location at 561 Seventh Ave. — with a 90 ft. glass curtain wall which wraps from Seventh Ave. around to West 40^th street — includes 2,200 s/f on the ground floor and mezzanine level, with seating for in-house dining.

Britts noted that Wasabi is planning to modernize the space, including a re-invigorated hot food offer, a fully refreshed interior, and updated external brand signage, with plans to unveil the new look in late 2024/early 2025.

Located at the corner of West 40^th St., 561 Seventh Ave. is an 81,214 s/f office tower with 24-hour/7-day access, attended, newly renovated lobby, and on-site security. The property houses an array of office tenants from the finance, legal, nonprofit, publishing, entertainment, and fashion sectors, among others, with Wasabi occupying the ground floor retail space.