Keens, a New York icon and Midtown steakhouse since 1885, has sold to a new owner.
Crain’s New York reports that Keens has sold for $30 million to billionaire Tilman Fertitta. Fertitta is also a partner in Catch Hospitality Group, a giant of early aughts nightlife, as well as the newly opened Taylor Swift-anointed Corner Store. He’s the CEO of Texas-based hospitality group Landry’s, of which Rainforest Cafe, Bubba Gump Shrimp, and the Palm Steakhouse, are under its umbrella. The Keens purchase is independent of Landry’s.
Keens was first opened by Albert Keen. The space was previously a club for a theater group, and later a clubhouse for smoking pipes where Teddy Roosevelt, Babe Ruth, and Albert Einstein were members; today, one of the city’s oldest steakhouses is home to one of the world’s largest collections of churchwarden pipes that hang from its ceiling. In the 1970s, restaurateur George Schwarz took over Keens, bringing it into a new era. Schwarz died in 2016, entrusting the institution to general manager Bonnie Jenkins, who remains today.
“We looked for a buyer that agreed to allow our team to continue to operate and manage Keens in the same tradition it has been for the past 140 years,” said Jenkins in a statement provided to Eater.
“I believe George would be happy to know that our new owner, Tilman Fertitta, is committed to maintaining the legacy of our historic brand. Keen’s is one of Manhattan’s oldest steakhouses and one of the most unique dining experiences in all of New York City. Tilman appreciates our old-world charm and unique museum like dining experience, and I am grateful that we will continue to serve our community and visitors from all over the world while preserving our iconic restaurant for years to come,” she said.
Over the years, Keens has been a favorite of New Yorkers; Anthony Bourdain cited as a must, and more recently, cookbook author Alison Roman had her wedding at Keens.
This isn’t Fertitta’s only steakhouse, with Landry’s owning the Palm’s various locations; Fertitta is also a partner in the Catch Hospitality Group, which includes Catch Steak. The acquisition of Keens points to Fertitta going beyond the Bubba Gump Shrimps and Rainforest Cafes of the world to invest in standalone New York restaurants.
