Latest news with #StephenStarr
Eater
19 hours ago
- Business
- Eater
Mission Chinese Founder Takes Surprise Gig at Buddakan
Nearly two decades after pan-Asian clubstaurant Buddakan made its flashy Meatpacking District debut, Starr Restaurant Group is turning to a big-name chef to reinvent it. Mega-restaurateur Stephen Starr tapped Danny Bowien, of Mission Chinese Food fame, 'to revitalize the menu at Buddakan and give it a fresh look,' a Starr rep tells Eater. The team declined to say whether Bowien is a newly named co-owner or partner, as 'it's still in extremely early development stages.' The Substack Feed Me first flagged Bowien's incoming involvement this week. Bowien is best known for his San Francisco-born smash hit Mission Chinese, which expanded to New York in 2012 to instant acclaim. Subsequent locations followed on the Lower East Side and Bushwick. The restaurant group's reputation took a turn after employees repeatedly alleged a range of misconduct at the LES location, including racial discrimination as well as physical and verbal abuse. In 2022, Mission Chinese pulled out of NY completely. Bowien's neon-lit millennial magnet made a surprise NY comeback last spring, this time in the heart of Chinatown, as a nighttime residency inside Cha Kee (43 Mott Street, at Bayard Street). What started as a pop-up is now a permanent operation, complete with longstanding Mission Chinese favorites like chile-blasted Chongqing chicken wings, kung pao pastrami, and other inventive takes on Sichuan cuisine through his Chinese American lens. The 15-year-old original in San Francisco's Mission District is still open today (though under new ownership). It remains unclear how Bowien plans to zhuzh Buddakan's existing menu full of dim sum, sizzling short ribs, and Beijing duck. Choosing to align with a cash-cow conglomerate of a company like Starr is relatively surprising, considering Bowien's keep-it-tight approach to the restaurant world. Like Mission Chinese, Buddakan has also dealt with past allegations of discrimination and a toxic work culture. Starting as a single location in Philadelphia in 1988, Buddakan grew into a mini empire at its height, with locations in Pennsylvania, New York, and New Jersey. The Meatpacking District location opened in 2006 and, backed by an early two-star review from the New York Times , was an immediate hit. In Manhattan at that time, Buddakan was 'a hipper, younger, clubbier analogue to older, expensive, white tablecloth venues,' former Eater critic Ryan Sutton wrote in a 2015 review. See More: Coming Attractions NYC Restaurant News
Axios
4 days ago
- Business
- Axios
Popular Stephen Starr restaurants boycotted by Democrats
Top Democrats in the House and Senate are boycotting hot Washington, D.C. restaurants that include those owned by famed Philadelphia restaurateur Stephen Starr over labor disputes. Why it matters: The targeted restaurants in Starr's empire include some of the buzziest spots for Democratic fundraisers. Driving the news: More than 50 House and Senate Democrats have signed onto Unite Here Local 25's pledge to avoid six D.C. venues. Zoom in: Starr, who is a Democratic donor, is facing boycotts of his Le Diplomate, Osteria Mozza and The Occidental. The other three boycotted restaurants are founded by chef Ashok Bajaj of Knightsbridge Restaurant Group. The list: Among the signers are some of Democrats' top fundraisers and biggest names, including Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.). Sens. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) are also on the list. Meanwhile, Philly Reps. Brendan Boyle, Dwight Evans and Mary Gay Scanlon signed the boycott list, per Unite Here's website. U.S. Sen. John Fetterman and Philly-regional Rep. Madeleine Dean were not on the pledge list as of Friday. Between the lines: Political groups and candidates have spent thousands of dollars at those spots over the past year, federal campaign records show. Former President Obama and Amazon founder Jeff Bezos made headlines when they dined at Osteria Mozza in January. Then-President Biden was a repeat customer at Le Diplomate during his presidency. What they're saying: Rep. Greg Casar (D-Texas), the chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, told Axios: "We can have big policy debates, but we also have to show the American people some concrete examples." He added: "This is our opportunity when we're here in Washington, D.C. to not just go vote in the Capitol but actually go out in the community and make a difference." "We can say that all members on the list are personally boycotting," Benjy Cannon, a spokesperson for the union, told Axios in a message. "Many of them have been meeting personally with STARR and Knightsbridge workers all year." The other side:"Local 25's call for a boycott is baseless," Starr restaurants said in a statement. "A boycott of any kind can result in lost hours, wages, and tips that hardworking employees rely upon." "It is unfortunate that an organization that claims to want to represent employees would call for an action that would harm them." "We respect our employees' wishes," Bajaj said. "How many of these congress members even know themselves that they're signing?" Zoom out: Starr's restaurant group has accused Unite Here Local 25 of overly aggressive tactics. That includes union reps showing up with petitions outside employees' homes, leading one bartender to sign it even though she planned to vote against a union, as Eater reported in February. Francisco López, a Le Diplomate server of five years, told Axios some employees are holding counter protests to the union.
Business Journals
27-04-2025
- Business
- Business Journals
Mandarin Oriental Miami to close, lay off 430 staff ahead of renovation
The Mandarin Oriental, Miami on Brickell Key will permanently close May 31 after 24 years of operation. The closure is part of a $1 billion redevelopment plan to transform the site into a two-tower residential project. Affected by the closure, 430 employees will be laid off, with separations beginning on the closure date and continuing through Sept. 30. Employees will receive assistance, including unemployment information and available benefits. To support the transition, Mandarin Oriental has implemented several measures, including a retention plan, career continuity initiative and an alumni program offering future job priority. The hotel, which opened in 2000, will be replaced by The Residences at Mandarin Oriental, Miami, a luxury condominium-hotel complex. The project will feature 220 condos and 100,000 square feet of amenities. It's expected to open in 2030. Asian-fusion restaurant to replace Bal Harbour Shops eatery Le Zoo, the French Mediterranean brasserie by renowned restaurateur Stephen Starr at Bal Harbour Shops, will permanently close by the end of this month. The upscale eatery, which opened in November 2015, will end its nearly decadelong run at 9700 Collins Ave., No. 135. Known for its Parisian décor and seafood-forward menu, Le Zoo is part of Starr Restaurants, a Philadelphia-based hospitality group that also included the now-closed Continental Miami at the Aloft Hotel in South Beach. 'We have loved being a part of this wonderful community,' the group said, adding that, while Le Zoo is saying goodbye, a new Starr Restaurants concept is set to debut in late 2025 at a new location within Bal Harbour Shops. Le Zoo's departure coincides with the May 1 closure of Aba, a Mediterranean concept by Chicago-based Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises. The Business Journal has confirmed that China Grill, the once-popular South Beach Asian-fusion restaurant, will replace Le Zoo. A successor for Aba has yet to be announced. Both are in prime spaces within Bal Harbour Shops, a luxury shopping center with over 100 high-end boutiques. Founded in 1965 by Stanley Whitman, it continues to be family-operated with his grandson, Matthew Whitman Lazenby, serving as CEO. Cruise companies to launch new ships The South Florida cruise industry is showing signs of long-term growth and diversification, with major announcements from Carnival Corp., Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. and newcomer Crescent Seas. Carnival Cruise Line announced April 7 that its fourth Excel-class ship, Carnival Festivale, will debut in 2027 from Port Canaveral. The fifth ship, Carnival Tropicale, will follow in 2028, with its homeport yet to be determined. Both ships will feature new entertainment zones and expanded accommodations for families, including 1,000 interconnecting rooms. Looking ahead, Carnival's Project Ace ships, set to launch in 2029, 2031 and 2033, will be the largest in the fleet, with nearly 8,000 guests each. Additionally, Carnival has ordered two midsize ships for AIDA Cruises, set for delivery in 2030 and 2032, marking a significant expansion for the German brand. Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings also made waves April 7, announcing it will charter four vessels across its three brands – Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises – beginning in 2026. The chartered vessels, including Norwegian Sky and Norwegian Sun, will go to Cordelia Cruises in India, while Seven Seas Navigator and Insignia will be chartered to Crescent Seas. Norwegian has 12 new ships on order through 2036, with seven for Norwegian Cruise Line, three for Oceania and two for Regent. Crescent Seas, a new residential cruise line backed by Miami Beach-based GFO Investments, will add Insignia to its fleet in late 2027. The 594-foot ship will undergo a $50 million renovation and feature 290 residences priced from $650,000 to $10 million. Sales for Insignia residences will begin in late summer 2025 at the Gale Miami Hotel & Residences. The global cruise industry is projected to reach $16.7 billion by 2031, driven by rising demand for luxury lifestyles, river cruises and global tourism. North America remains the top revenue contributor. Sign up here for the Business Journal's free morning and afternoon daily newsletters to receive the latest business news impacting South Florida. Download the free Business Journal app for breaking news alerts on your phone.
Axios
15-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Axios
RAMMY Awards finalists: What's new and surprising
Washington's bar and restaurant honors, the annual RAMMY Awards, are back with an exciting lineup of nominees. Why it matters: The RAMMYs are like a local version of the James Beard Awards, celebrating talent, diversity, leadership — and of course deliciousness — in the local food and drink scene. What's new: The 20 award categories are either voted on by the public (e.g. Best Brunch, Best Bar) or a panel of judges made up of anonymous industry experts. For the first time, the Best Fast Casual honor will be awarded by judges — meant to indicate "their elevated stature in the industry," per the Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington. Finalists include popular spots like taco joint La Tejana and Yellow pita shop, as well as newcomers like Emma's Torch, a pioneering Woodridge cafe that trains refugees and asylum seekers in culinary arts (and also makes a tasty egg and cheese biscuit). And of course, best new restaurants! Up in that category are: Ama (Italian, Navy Yard) La' Shukran (Middle Eastern, Union Market) Kayu (Filipino, H Street) Pascual (Mexican, Capitol Hill) San Pancho (Amaze burritos, Takoma Park) Between the lines: Darlings of the award circuit are well-represented, like Shaw's plant-based tasting room Mita — up in three RAMMY categories (Formal Fine Dining, Service, Rising Culinary Stars) and a 2025 James Beard Award. You'll also find award-magnets Moon Rabbit, Causa, Anju, and more. Beauty Champagne & Sugar Boutique in Arlington (Best Wine Program). The intrigue: While the RAMMYs are a hyper-local affair, there's a notable out-of-town name in the mix: Philadelphia's Stephen Starr, up for Restaurateur of the Year.
Associated Press
14-04-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
OCEAN CASINO RESORT ANNOUNCES $50 MILLION IN 2025 CAPITAL PROPERTY INVESTMENTS
Ocean to Unveil 559 New Blu Rooms and Suites, Open Multiple New Dining Concepts, Expand Premier Casino Experience and More Images + Renderings *Credit: Courtesy of Ocean Casino Resort ATLANTIC CITY, N.J., April 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Ocean Casino Resort today announced over $50 million in property-wide capital investments planned for 2025. These new development projects are part of a seven-year, $270 million property transformation that Ocean has been implementing since its inception in 2018. This latest commitment includes more than 500 new Blu Rooms and Suites, a casino expansion, five new dining options and more. 'Ocean continues to invest in property enhancements that enable us to provide an unmatched guest experience not only in Atlantic City, but nationwide,' said Bill Callahan, General Manager for Ocean Casino Resort. 'We are introducing five highly anticipated dining concepts that our customers have been asking for. This year also marks an exciting milestone as we complete the entire hotel with fully renovated guest rooms and suites.' New Ocean Blu Rooms & Suites ($25 million) Ocean's 2025 investment in its guest rooms and suites marks the culmination of a multi-year project to transform all 1,860 guest rooms and suites at the property. In 2022, Ocean introduced 12 floors of renovated Blu Rooms and Suites that had been unfinished by the previous owner and, in 2023 and 2024, unveiled more than 700 guest rooms and suites, as well as the introduction of its Duplex and Bay suites. The design of the new Blu Rooms and Suites is inspired by colors and patterns of the shoreline, elevating Ocean's unmatched beachfront location on the waters of the Atlantic. The beach-inspired flooring and wallcoverings create a calming atmosphere, while the soft-touch fabrics mimic the style and forms reminiscent of this modern, yet iconic building. Pops of color complement Ocean's breathtaking views, while the luxurious bathrooms feature marble flooring, a double vanity, and an over-sized shower. The newly built suites offer elevated interior finishes and additional amenities such as a dining area, wet bar, and generous lounge seating for guests to host small gatherings. Two New Dining Concepts with Famed Restaurateur Stephen Starr ($5 million+) Ocean Casino Resort is opening two new restaurants in partnership with restaurateur Stephen Starr, who is lending STARR Restaurants' expertise on the conceptualization of the two venues. The multi-million-dollar concepts will be located on Ocean's Lobby Level and are scheduled to open this summer. LaScala's Fire Coming to Ocean A South Jersey & Philadelphia area favorite, LaScala's Fire is famous for being your home away from home for classic Italian American cuisine reimagined in a great atmosphere with great service. Its newest iteration, LaScala's Fire at Ocean will continue that standard, with starters like the ricotta board, cheesesteak egg rolls, and meatball trio, along with delicious pastas, gourmet pizzas, and oversized entrees ranging from chicken parm to grilled salmon. Everything at LaScala's Fire at Ocean will be homemade, just like owner/restaurateur Rob LaScala's grandmom did. LaScala's Fire at Ocean will be located on the Casino Level across from Villain & Saint and is slated to open early summer. Additional Food & Beverage Offerings Over in The District, the all-new High Steaks has quick eats that are bold and flavor packed. The menu is centered around premium, mouth-watering steaks, loaded with hearty, satisfying options for every craving. Indulge in the signature Wagyu cheesesteak or opt for the classic Philly Cheesesteak on a seeded or non-seeded roll for a true taste of tradition. Making its debut the end of May, Ocean guests will be able to start their day at Blend – Ocean's go-to spot for hand-crafted smoothies and acai bowls bursting with delicious flavors. Nestled on Ocean's Lobby Level next to Eclipse Pool, Blend presents a warm and inviting atmosphere that beckons you to unwind or recharge. Whether you're fueling up for a busy day or grabbing something fresh on the go, Blend's curated menu brims with delectable options designed to both energize and satisfy. Asian Gaming to Double in Size ($4 million) As part of its ongoing upgrade of the casino experience, Ocean will introduce a larger polished Asian Gaming space by summer 2025. Designed by R2Architects, the footprint will double its size, from 4,000 to 8,000 square feet, offering 32 gaming tables including Mini Baccarat and Pai Gow Poker. Ocean's 18 Mini Golf & Bar Opens Featuring $500,000 Immersive Holograms Get ready for a hole-in-one experience! Ocean's 18 Mini Golf & Bar, a new multi-million-dollar entertainment destination, will open later this summer, offering fun for visitors of all ages. This exciting venue will present technology used at The Sphere in Las Vegas, featuring a state-of-the-art course and two stories of immersive fun, all within an expansive 8,000-square-foot space. As guests enter, they will be greeted by two eye-popping holograms, including a 12-foot Great White Shark towering over the vibrant main bar, creating an atmosphere unlike any other. It will be conveniently located next to LaScala's Fire on the Casino Level. Sweetheart Coast by Sammi Sweetheart Ocean's newest retail offering will represent the Jersey Shore in all the best ways. Slated to open early summer within the Shops at the Row, Sweetheart Coast is a fashionable clothing boutique for women of all shapes and sizes with fun home décor, accessories and unique gifts. Even More North Beach Currently situated on 20 beachfront acres on the world-famous Atlantic City Boardwalk, Ocean's sandy shores have expanded in 2025. With the recent completion of the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers' $92.6 million project to replenish the sand on the beaches of New Jersey's coastline, Ocean guests will now have access to additional exclusive beachfront fun just outside the doors of the property. ABOUT OCEAN CASINO RESORT Spanning over 20 beachfront acres on the world-famous Atlantic City Boardwalk, Ocean Casino Resort, named 'Best Casino' by Philadelphia Magazine's 'Best of Philly' awards, features 1,860 guest rooms and suites; 135,000 square feet of gaming entertainment; over 1,750 slot machines; 125 gaming tables; 160,000 square feet of meeting and convention space; 90,000 square feet of unique outdoor space; 5 upscale dining restaurants; 10 casual dining options; a 40,000 square foot spa; 6 signature day and nightlife experiences; and a 4,500-seat concert venue. Ocean is home to the world's largest Topgolf Swing Suite and offers both land-based sports wagering and online gaming within the state of New Jersey through its real-money gaming sites. Ocean Casino Resort is owned and operated by AC Beachfront, L.L.C. For more information about Ocean, please visit or follow Ocean on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, & TikTok. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Ocean Casino Resort
