The partners in Hudson Street Hospitality with Founder Eytan Sugarman (L-R, Matt Shendell, John DeLucie, Shaun Rose, Eytan Sugarman, Richie Romero, Andrea Ienna)
Notable New York Hospitality entrepreneur, restaurateur Eytan Sugarman, has announced the formulation of Hudson Street Hospitality, his new official umbrella group housing the multitude of his expeditiously growing empire. With his rapidly expanding Made In New York Pizza brand, the success of Hunt & Fish Club, and ownership of the historic White Horse Tavern, Sugarman has been known in the New York hospitality landscape as a respected owner and operator for over twenty five years, going back to the days of Suede, Destino and Southern Hospitality BBQ with Justin Timberlake. Sugarman is also known among peers and hospitality industry alike for his strong sense of community and dedication to the people of New York City, layered with regular philanthropic endeavors. Now, Adding The Paris Cafe and West Village favorite Ambra to the mix, plus the announcement of The Hudson Club, Sugarman is busier than ever with expanding roots all over Manhattan.
For the last decade, Sugarman has been at the helm of his successful midtown steak and seafood haunt, Hunt & Fish Club, which further solidified his name in the NY fine dining space. Hunt & Fish Club recreates the glory of 1960’s New York through a ritzy steakhouse aesthetic featuring 50,000 lbs of marble, with an original design by renowned contemporary artist Roy Nachum and architect Studio Iyor. The private room is a favorite amongst notable VIPS, top athletes and celebrities, with its beautiful black and white design paired with striking greenery.
The announcement of Hudson Street Hospitality is long overdue, as Sugarman, a respected hospitality leader, continues to be a voice for New York owners and operators, with good-hearted and pure interest in offering a positive contribution to the ever-evolving Manhattan landscape. Sugarman has spent the last decade focused on mainstay establishments, rather than trendy spots that are short-lived. Sugarman’s vision for Hudson Street Hospitality was based on these leadership beliefs, actioned to form a group representative of his three decades in the business, therefore formulating an instrumental executive team comprised of a carefully chosen group of seasoned industry players and respected friends; Matt Shendell (Chief Operating Officer) – Founder and operator of The Ainsworth brand among others like The Chester, Richie Romero (Chief Branding Officer) – With hotspots like Hearsay, Nebula plus a dozen others along with his notable sushi brand Sushi By Bou, and Shaun Rose (Chief Marketing Officer) – original owner and partner in hotspot Goldbar.
In addition, Executive Chef of Ambra and now The Paris Cafe, John DeLucie (Lion, The Waverly Inn),also takes on a role as Head Chef of the group consulting on all of their venues overall, and Andrea Ienna as Operating partner, the founding owner of Ambra.
Hudson Street Hospitality Owner & Founder Sugarman notes, “I want to continue to offer New Yorkers both new dining destinations and reinvent historic institutions, with an unwavering goal to continue to create familial, institutional spots for both local and visiting patrons that are inviting, hospitable, and aimed at the experience of the customer. The landmark spots preserve the history of the city, while our new creations are part of the continued, positive evolution.”
As Sugarman continues to expand his hospitality empire, the newly formed Hudson Street Hospitality group also has acquired an ownership stake in White Horse Tavern’s buzzing Hudson Street neighbor, Ambra Italia Trattoria. Ambra, located just next door at 569 Hudson, has gained much popularity due to its picturesque neighborhood dining aesthetic, and incredible homemade Italian menu by Executive Chef John DeLucci, since its September 2023 opening. Having already become a favorite to A-List New York personalities and the fashion community, Ambra not only serves delicious cuisine favorites inclusive of meat, vegan and seafood options, but features a full bar with an extensive mixology menu and wine program. Along with its neighbor White Horse, Ambra has also introduced a new weekend brunch program timed to Spring 2024. The ownership stake creates a partnership between Sugarman and Ambra owner, restaurateur Andrea Ienna.
Keeping with the desire to preserve Manhattan landmark haunts and watering holes that reek of history and incredible storytelling, Hudson Street Hospitality has also taken ownership of South Street restaurant and bar, The Paris Cafe, which dates back to 1873. Hudson Street Hospitality is currently planning the relaunch of New York City’s oldest brasserie, located at 119 South Street, with a strategy that still honors the history of The Paris Cafe but evolves it to current day appeal, with programming soon to be announced in conjunction with a menu and cocktail program transformation. (Favorite of Teddy Roosevelt – he was in all the time), Jimmy Hoffa, Billy The Kid).
During the Covid-19 Pandemic, Sugarman donated over 4,000 pies to hospitals and first responders, and he continues to offer Made In NY Pizza to those less fortunate on all major holidays as a free meal – Thanksgiving, Chanukah, Christmas – so that no family is without food. His philanthropy truly has no end, always present at a variety of city wide charity galas and events annually, and also notably hosted a fundraiser with New York Yankees’ High Socks For Hope to benefit the victims of the Oklahoma Hurricanes. He has also hosted a variety of fundraisers at his restaurants such as Hunt & Fish Club for the storm victims of Puerto Rico following the weather disaster devastation, Prayers For Puerto Rico, co hosted by NY Yankee legend Jorge Posada and Laura Posada, and entrepreneur Gary Vaynerchuk. Sugarman will never be questioned on his patronage and leveraging his resources to propel relief and support those in need.
Sugarman’s Next Vision? The Hudson Club
Paired with the formation of Hudson Street Hospitality comes the official announcement of The Hudson Club, a sophisticated cocktail bar and restaurant, which will open its doors this Summer on West 55th Street.
Along with the executive team, their vision for The Hudson Club is to offer an upscale restaurant and bar in midtown that will pay homage to vintage New York in a fully custom designed sexy yet sophisticated setting. The goal is to offer New York patrons an elegant and elevated cocktail bar and dining experience with a familial and inviting vibe. Sugarman, known amongst his peers for his keen eye for detail, is constructing The Hudson Club from scratch, working with the design team on every element of the much anticipated soon-to-open venue. Picture old New York with a modern twist, essentially a destination for those seeking a membership club experience without a membership being required. Accessibility and sophistication in one destination. The Hudson Club will add another level of sophistication to Sugarman’s repertoire, establishing an exclusive hospitality driven cocktail lounge and dining room, sure to serve the desire of the evolving New York clientele. (Coming Summer 2024)
