Ark Restaurants faces possible eviction from Bryant Park venues after court ruling

Ark Restaurants has warned investors that it may be compelled to leave its Bryant Park Grill, Café and Porch locations after a court upheld the landlord’s eviction rights. CEO Michael Weinstein told analysts that unless the ruling is overturned, the company must cease operations at the three venues when the current stay expires on or about October 16, 2026. The three restaurants, which together account for about 15% of Ark’s overall sales, are still serving customers while the legal battle proceeds.

Weinstein noted that the lease uncertainty has already caused a drop in booked private parties. The landlord, the nonprofit Bryant Park Corporation, intends to bring in a new restaurant run by chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten, but that plan is now in doubt because Vongerichten’s original partner, Seaport Entertainment Group, has withdrawn from the project.