| West Bank Cafe sets Re-Opening Date | |
| Posted by: Official_Press_Release 09:33 am EST 01/16/25 | |
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| The West Bank Cafe Sets Re-Opening Date Broadway Producers Tom D'Angora & Michael D'Angora Usher in a New Era for the Theatre District Restaurant On Thursday, January 23rd The Beloved Hell's Kitchen Landmark Will Embark on a New Chapter While Preserving Its Storied Legacy Broadway producers Tom D'Angora and Michael D'Angora (Suffs, Harmony, off-Broadway's NEWSical) are proud to announce that they will be leading the beloved West Bank Cafe and its iconic downstairs performance space, The Laurie Beechman Theatre, into a new and exciting era beginning Thursday, January 23rd. As the venue's new owners, The D'Angoras are committed to maintaining the same cherished menu, cozy atmosphere, and artistic spirit that have made West Bank Cafe and Laurie Beechman Theatre a home for artists and diners alike. The West Bank Cafe will open for dinner beginning Thursday, January 23rd at 4:00 pm, with the kitchen closing at 11:00 pm. Brunch will be served Saturday and Sundays from 11:00 – 3:00 pm. Weekday lunch and expanded late-night hours will be announced soon. Diners can expect the WBC's classic menu featuring burgers, steaks, fresh fish, an array of Italian favorites, and of course, the iconic risotto balls. During the past month, minor renovations to the kitchen and dining room have been made while preserving the venue's warm and inviting atmosphere. Diners can expect additional renovations and new design elements in the upcoming months. The Laurie Beechman Theatre, currently undergoing remodeling, is anticipated to re-open by the end of February. Founded in 1978 by Steve Olsen, West Bank Cafe has been a vital cultural hub for Broadway creatives and Hell's Kitchen residents. The Laurie Beechman Theatre, originally the "Downstairs Theatre Bar," has hosted legendary performers and groundbreaking works, including Aaron Sorkin's early plays and Joan Rivers' iconic sets. After 46 years, Olsen handed over the keys in December 2024, entrusting the D'Angoras with the venue's future. Management, bartenders, and waitstaff will all remain on board as the venue embarks on this new chapter. The Fight to Save an Institution In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic threatened the venue's survival. The D'Angoras, along with composer Joe Iconis (Be More Chill) and actor Tim Guinee (Homeland), launched a viral GoFundMe campaign, raising over $250,000 through a Christmas Day Telethon featuring Nathan Lane, André De Shields, Matthew Broderick, Chit Rivera, Iian Armitage, Pete Townshend, and more. While the campaign was a monumental success, the venue was later disqualified from receiving government assistance due to a technicality in the lease agreement. With Broadway's reopening slow and midtown office buildings remaining largely vacant, the restaurant and theater faced another uphill battle. This past summer, Steve Olsen announced that he would once again be closing the venue, unable to see a path forward. In response, Tom and Michael D'Angora worked closely with Olsen, the West Bank Cafe management, and landlord Related to create a sustainable business model that would allow the venue to not only survive but thrive for years to come. After careful consideration, Steve Olsen has chosen to step back, entrusting the D'Angoras with the future of his iconic establishment. About West Bank Cafe and Laurie Beechman Theatre As the first commercial tenets of Manhattan Plaza, West Bank Cafe was established in 1978 as a neighborhood dining spot that quickly became a beloved haven for Broadway performers and Hell's Kitchen locals. Its downstairs theater, originally called the "Downstairs Theatre Bar", became the Laurie Beechman Theatre in 2003 in honor of the late Broadway star Laurie Beechman, a beloved performer who worried she might be forgotten. Her legacy lives on as artists of all kinds continue to take the stage. Over the years, the Laurie Beechman Theatre has been home to countless writers and performers. Originally under the artistic directorship of comedian Lewis Black, the venue produced over 1,500 one-act plays in its first 15 years including Aaron Sorkin's first two plays (the first starring Nathan Lane) and served as the developmental home for Warren Leight to develop the Tony winning Side Man. The venue also served as a rehearsal space for Sondheim to teach music to Bernadette Peters and Mandy Patinkin during rehearsals for Sunday in the Park with George. More recently, the Laurie Beechman Theatre featured performances by Pete Townshend, Karen Finley, Jinkx Monsoon, André De Shields, Donna McKechnie, Patti LuPone, Ariana Grande, and most famously, it was where Joan Rivers played over 200 sets, including her final one. *** Under the stewardship of Tom and Michael D'Angora, West Bank Cafe and Laurie Beechman Theatre are poised for a thrilling new era — one that embraces its rich legacy while setting the stage for the next generation of Broadway talent and theatergoers. The West Bank Cafe is located at 407 W 42nd St on the corner of 42nd and 9th Ave. Reservations can be made by calling 212-695-6909 or at www.WBCNYC.com Follow West Bank Cafe (@WestBankCafeNYC) and Laurie Beechman Theatre (@TheBeechman) on social media for updates and announcements. |
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