Latest news with #French-based
New York Post
3 days ago
- Business
- New York Post
Shuttered Albany restaurant popular with NY elite, politicians to reopen as members-only social club
An Albany restaurant that used to feature a clientele list teeming with some of the most powerful politicians in New York is set to reopen as a private members' dining club in late 2025. The La Serre restaurant closed in 2020 after it was unable to bounce back from the COVID-19 lockdown, with much of its business at the time relying on large gatherings like banquets and receptions, founder Anne Trimble told the Times Union. The French-based restaurant originally opened in 1977 and quickly became a favorite among New York's political elite on both sides of the aisle during its run, including former Govs. Hugh Carey, Mario Cuomo, George Pataki and Andrew Cuomo. Advertisement Albany's La Serre restaurant will be taken over by an exclusive politician nightclub. Albany Times Union via Getty Ima Now, Mayor Eric Adams' spokesman Todd Shapiro is looking to revamp the historic mainstay alongside Greg Caggiano and Todd Miller of the law firm Miller & Caggiano. 'This is going to be the most important political and social venue north of Manhattan. We're bringing back the old-school power — but with a modern twist: young, trendsetting, high-end, and unapologetically political,' Shapiro said. Advertisement Their vision centers around elevating the old restaurant's history by making it a hotspot for 'high-level networking, private events, and political strategy' while filling the space of a much-needed 'contemporary social anchor,' according to a press release. They plan to make it highly selective, primarily limiting membership to public leaders, media influencers, creatives and civic entrepreneurs, according to the release. La Serre closed in 2020 after it was unable to recover from the COVID-19 lockdown. Albany Times Union via Getty Ima The restaurant will also include a secluded 'War Room' — which shares its name with another restaurant owned by Shapiro — that will be reserved for politicians' off-the-record meetings. Advertisement The new and improved La Serre will include a rooftop terrace and renovated interior, likely shifting away from the upscale, green leather-laden atmosphere of the old restaurant and gravitating towards something more 'clubby,' per the release. Trimble founded the restaurant alongside her late husband, Geoffrey, who passed away in 2005. She managed the restaurant with her son, John, up through its closure, the Times Union reported.
IOL News
6 days ago
- Sport
- IOL News
Bafana Bafana international Lebogang Phiri shares views on youth football development
BAFANA Bafana midfielder Lebogang Phiri attendend the Gauteng leg of the Engen Knockout Challenge. | Supplied French-based Bafana Bafana midfielder and Engen Knockout Challenge graduate Lebogang Phiri recently made a powerful return to the tournament that helped shape his career. Phiri spent some time engaging with players, watching matches, and reflecting on the impact of grassroots football. 'This is not just another youth tournament. I don't think people always realise the gravity of it,' said Phiri. 'Tournaments like the Engen Knockout Challenge are whereyou get the next top talents and future big-name players. "It's where players learn to handle pressure, build big-match temperament, and get exposed to the type of support and attention that prepares them for the next level. "If a young player approaches this platform with the right mindset, it can change their career.' As someone who rose through the same ranks, Phiri understands the environment better than most. Beyond the on-field action, he emphasised the off-field growth players experience. 'The pressure is high, and the expectations are real and because of that, players learn respect, discipline, and great sportsmanship," said Phiri. "These are qualities you don't always get from just training or league matches. This kind of environment shapes you in every way as a footballer.' His presence at the Gauteng playoffs underscored the 2025 campaign theme 'It's Your Moment, Future Diski Legends', serving as a living example of what is possible when talent meets opportunity. Phiri's message to the next generation was clear: make this moment count, because the path to greatness often starts with a platform like the Engen Knockout Challenge.
Reuters
6 days ago
- Business
- Reuters
Carrefour to sell Italy business, reports improving sales growth
LONDON, July 24 (Reuters) - Carrefour ( opens new tab, Europe's biggest food retailer, has agreed to sell its loss-making business in Italy to food and drinks manufacturer NewPrinces Group ( opens new tab as part of a strategic review kicked off earlier this year. The sale of Carrefour Italy, which operates 1,188 stores but made a 67 million euro ($78.85 million) operating loss last year, will help boost Carrefour's growth, profitability and cash generation, the French-based retailer said in a statement. The deal gives Carrefour Italy an enterprise value of around 1 billion euros, Italy-based NewPrinces Group said in a separate statement, and should close by the end of the third quarter subject to regulatory approval. Carrefour also reported stronger second-quarter sales as price cuts helped to attract more inflation-weary shoppers particularly in France, its biggest market. Overall, Carrefour's second-quarter sales grew 4.4% on a like-for-like basis from a year earlier, building on 2.9% growth in the first quarter. In France, like-for-like sales returned to growth for the first time since 2023, up 2.1% compared to a year ago. "Volumes declined at a historic rate after the wave of hyperinflation in 2022 and 2023, but we are seeing a gradual recovery in purchasing power, which is evidenced by volumes increasing [in the second quarter]," Chief Financial Officer Matthieu Malige told journalists on a call. Carrefour plans to keep lowering prices in the second half as it tries to keep improving its competitive position, Malige added. The group's first-half sales totalled 46.559 billion euros, up from 44.863 billion euros a year earlier. "Carrefour's business saw a clear acceleration in the first half of 2025, driven by the momentum in its three core countries: France, Spain, and Brazil," Carrefour CEO Alexandre Bompard said in a statement. However, Carrefour's profitability remained under pressure, with its first-half operating margin falling to 1.6% from 1.8% a year ago. ($1 = 0.8498 euros)
The South African
22-07-2025
- Sport
- The South African
Striker's father reveals what Kaizer Chiefs asked him
Kaizer Chiefs coach Nasreddine Nabi during a Betway Premiership match against Orlando Pirates at the FNB Stadium. Image: @kaizerchiefs/X Kaizer Chiefs are still firmly keen on signing Khanyisa Mayo since missing out on the 26-year-old forward in 2023. The former Richards Bay FC and Cape Town City FC star famously joined Algerian giants CR Beloizdad an hour before the Glamour Boys called his agent in September 2023. With Amakhosi in the market for experienced attacking talent, Mayo's father, Patrick, has revealed that the Soweto giants called him in recent days. ADVERTISEMENT KHANYISA MAYO'S FATHER GETS A CALL FROM KAIZER CHIEFS French-based star waiting for Amakhosi bosses Former Kaizer Chiefs striker Patrick Mayo playing Premier Soccer League football against Orlando Pirates. Image: BackpagePix After six goals and one assist in 41 games for The Chababists last season, the left-footed attacker has been discussed inside the Amakhosi's offices. 'Kaizer Chiefs called me last week to find out if I would give Khanyisa my blessing to join the club,' his father, Patrick, told Kick Off. Kaizer Chiefs update: More new signings 'It is Khanyisa who will decide whether he wants to join them. I told Kaizer Chiefs I would be happy to see Khanyisa at the club because that would be a historic moment. He would be following in his father's footsteps, and that would make me a proud father. 'But I did make it clear to Kaizer Chiefs that if they are genuinely interested, they should speak to his current club and buy him, as his contract runs until the end of the 2026/27 season,' the former Amakhosi striker added. JERSEY NUMBER 21 TO HONOUR HIS FATHER 'I told Kaizer Chiefs that they should assign him my jersey number 21 when he arrives at the club, not jersey number 10,' Mayo senior continued. ADVERTISEMENT 'They informed me they would get back to me with an update, so I'm still waiting for a response from Kaizer Chiefs,' he concluded. In the meantime, CRB confirmed a place in next season's CAF Confederation Cup after finishing third behind AC Alger and JS Kabyile in Algeria. DO YOU BELIEVE KHANYISA MAYO WILL EVER WEAR THE KAIZER CHIEFS JERSEY? Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The Star
18-07-2025
- Sport
- The Star
Bafana Bafana international Lebogang Phiri shares his views on youth development
Staff Reporter | Published 34 minutes ago Day One of the 2025 Engen Knockout Challenge Gauteng leg kicked off today at Wits Marks Park Sports Ground, with top under-18 boys' and under-20 girls' teams beginning their journey toward provincial glory and a place in the Engen Champ of Champs. Among those in attendance was French-based Bafana Bafana midfielder and Engen Knockout Challenge graduate Lebogang Phiri, who spent the day engaging with players, watching matches, and reflecting on the impact of the tournament. 'This is not just another youth tournament, I don't think people always realise the gravity of it,' said Phiri. 'Tournaments like the Engen Knockout Challenge are where you get the next top talents and future big-name players. It's where players learn to handle pressure, build big-match temperament, and get exposed to the type of support and attention that prepares them for the next level. If a young player approaches this platform with the right mindset, it can change their career.' Reflecting further, Phiri noted that the intensity and competitiveness of the tournament also bring valuable lessons beyond the pitch. 'The pressure is high, and the expectations are real, and because of that, players learn respect, discipline, and great sportsmanship. These are qualities you don't always get from just training or league matches. This kind of environment shapes you in every way as a footballer.' As a former participant turned professional, Phiri's return to the tournament reinforces the 2025 theme 'It's Your Moment, Future Diski Legends' , encouraging current players to seize the opportunity in front of them. With a strong turnout of supporters, tightly contested matches, and growing excitement on the ground, the opening day sets the tone for a thrilling weekend ahead. The Gauteng leg continues through to Sunday, 20 July, with provincial champions set to be crowned and earn the honour of representing the province at the prestigious Engen Champ of Champs
