Silverstein Properties, Rush Street Gaming, and Greenwood Gaming & Entertainment forms restaurant partnerships for The Avenir

Manhattan, NY Silverstein Properties, Rush Street Gaming, and Greenwood Gaming and Entertainment today have formed their restaurant and food partnerships for The Avenir, a mixed-use entertainment complex proposed for the Far West Side: a mix of locally loved favorites and globally recognized names that are certain to make the project one of New York City’s most exciting culinary destinations. The complex will include a total of five restaurants featuring concepts by hospitality groups – Union Square Hospitality Group (USHG) founded by Danny Meyer and STARR Restaurants founded by restaurateur Stephen Starr – as well as local sommelier Yannick Benjamin, chefs Nancy Silverton and Pim Techamuanvivit, and others.

In addition to the restaurants operated by USHG and STARR Restaurants, The Avenir will include a collective of culinary chefs, experts and establishments. 

“The Avenir will be a culinary destination with something for everyone,” said Lisa Silverstein, chief executive officer of Silverstein Properties. “There will be a curated dining experience from local chefs and restaurants to globally recognized names including Danny Meyer, Stephen Starr, Nancy Silverton, Pim Techamuanvivit and sommelier Yannick Benjamin. Our interest is to expand the opportunity from entertainment to a journey’s end for destination cuisine traversing Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and America. We’re excited to offer superb options for all in a beautiful setting.”

Dining at The Avenir

USHG, founded by Danny Meyer in 1985 with the opening of the legendary Union Square Cafe, has become a cornerstone of New York City’s dining scene. USHG operates a diverse portfolio of restaurants, bars, and cafes, each known for exceptional cuisine and a commitment to hospitality. USHG will be a key component of the restaurant and bar development for The Avenir. As part of this partnership, Hospitality Quotient (HQ), USHG’s learning and advisory firm, will provide hospitality training to all employees of The Avenir through on-site workshops and via their digital training platform, HQ+.

“USHG is thrilled to be part of this dynamic project,” said USHG CEO Chip Wade. “We look forward to working collaboratively with Silverstein Properties to help create a one-of-a-kind complex with distinctly New York roots.”

STARR Restaurants is a hospitality group founded by restaurateur Stephen Starr who will be a key leader in The Avenir’s quest to develop the most iconic restaurants and bars. The group operates a diverse portfolio of restaurants in New York City and across several areas, including Philadelphia, Washington D.C., South Florida, and Paris, France. Notable establishments in New York City include Le Coucou, The Clocktower, Pastis, Buddakan, Upland, La Mercerie, and Electric Lemon. Known for creating immersive dining experiences, STARR Restaurants emphasizes theatrical details such as music, lighting, and decor to complement its culinary offerings.

“This is a unique opportunity to create a high-end dining experience in a neighborhood that will attract people from all over the world while serving as a new resource for those living in the neighborhood,” said Stephen Starr, founder and CEO of STARR Restaurants.

In addition to the restaurants operated by USHG and STARR Restaurants, The Avenir will include a collective of culinary chefs, experts and establishments:

Yannick Benjamin, a Hell’s Kitchen hospitality professional, is anticipated to join The Avenir as sommelier, with a special focus on the project’s casino bars and lounges. Through his culinary ventures – including his Hell’s Kitchen based wine shop Beaupierre Wines & Spirits, advocacy work, and dedication to inclusivity – Yannick has made a profound impact on the hospitality industry and the broader West Side community.

Nancy Silverton is a celebrated American chef, baker, and author renowned for her significant contributions to the culinary world, particularly in Los Angeles. She will contribute to The Avenir by creating a full-service restaurant as well as a presence in the food hall.

Pim Techamuanvivit is a chef and restaurateur renowned for her innovative approach to traditional Thai cuisine. She is the owner of Nari, Kamin, and Michelin-starred Kin Khao restaurants in San Francisco, and became the executive chef of Michelin-starred Nahm in Bangkok in 2019. Beyond opening a world-class Thai restaurant in The Avenir, she will play a key role with The Avenir’s food and beverage incubator initiative, providing mentorship and support to restaurant and hospitality businesses from Hell’s Kitchen.

“As a Hell’s Kitchen native, I am delighted to bring my passion and expertise to this exciting new development,” said Yannick Benjamin, founder of Wine on Wheels.

The Avenir’s sixth level will contain a curated food hall with venues from local chefs and restaurateurs and is anticipated to include seating for approximately 700 guests. Local establishments to date participating in the food hall include:

Don Antonio – a Hell’s Kitchen pizza destination.

Empanada Mama – Colombian Specialties in Hell’s Kitchen and beyond.

Sarge’s Delicatessen and Diner – a cherished NYC institution.

So & So’s – a Hell’s Kitchen neighborhood piano bar and restaurant.

“Don Antonio has been serving authentic Neapolitan pizza to the residents and visitors of Hell’s Kitchen since 2012,” said Giorgia Caporuscio, owner of Don Antonio. “We are excited to expand our family’s tradition of making exceptional pizza to The Avenir, which will bring even more vibrancy to the neighborhood.”

Other restaurants will include:

Sala De Despiece, a modern Spanish restaurant located in Madrid’s Chamberí district, renowned for its innovative approach to tapas and delivering an immersive dining experience. The Avenir will be their first location in the United States.

“We’re extremely proud of assembling such an impressive team,” said Dino Fusco, chief operating officer of Silverstein Properties. “In particular, USHG and STARR Restaurants helped energize Downtown Manhattan and we look forward to bringing that dynamic to the Far West Side.”