On June 24, iconic 44th Street restaurant Sardi’s will temporarily close its doors for renovations, following its acquisition by the Shubert Organization. The organization will add the Sardi’s name and the restaurant’s assets to its portfolio, which currently consists of 17 Broadway theaters and ticketing company Telecharge.
Sardi’s served its first customers on March 5, 1927, founded by Italian immigrants Vincent and Eugenia Sardi. Throughout the ensuing century, it gained popularity among theater professionals and theatergoers, synonymous with preshow dinners and post-opening night drinks.
The idea for the Tony Awards was born at Sardi’s, and the restaurant would play host to Tony nominee luncheons for years to come. Vincent Sardi Sr. received an honorary Tony during the inaugural ceremony. His son, Vincent Sardi Jr., was awarded a Tony Honor for Excellence in the Theatre, alongside Frances and Harry Edelstein, in 2004. Current owner Max Klimavicius acquired sole ownership of the restaurant from Sardi Jr. in 2007 after working there for 33 years, beginning as a kitchen assistant.
The restaurant is also renowned for the 1,300-plus caricatures that line its walls. These celebrity likenesses were drawn by just four artists throughout Sardi’s near-century of history: Alex Gard, Tom Mackey, Donald Bevan and Richard Baratz. Collectively valued at $6.9 million as of 2020, the caricatures will become Shubert Organization property as of the sale.
A spokesperson confirmed that renovations to Sardi’s are expected to be completed by Nov. 10, when the new musical “Galileo” opens at the Shubert Theatre across the street. The restaurant isn’t expected to undergo a major redesign; the caricatures and red leather booths will remain staples. However, there is likely to be a new menu, as a new chef will take over when Sardi’s reopens. Sardi’s currently employs 74 staff, who will likely have to reapply for their jobs when the restaurant reopens.
