Confirmed: Arby's Planning to Take Gage & Tollner Space
Looks like we were right: A fast food restaurant is indeed trying to take over the former Gage & Tollner space at 374 Fulton Street on the Fulton Mall in Downtown Brooklyn. The Daily News today reports that the chain known for its roast beef sandwiches submitted an application to the Landmarks Preservation Commission in…
Looks like we were right: A fast food restaurant is indeed trying to take over the former Gage & Tollner space at 374 Fulton Street on the Fulton Mall in Downtown Brooklyn. The Daily News today reports that the chain known for its roast beef sandwiches submitted an application to the Landmarks Preservation Commission in January to modify the historic interior. We’re keeping everything in place, and anything we move in will be nonpermanent and easy to move out, said Raymond Chera, the franchisee behind the project. It will probably be the most beautiful Arby’s ever. And you better get used to the idea of being surrounded by Arby’s: Chera says he plans to open 41 locations around the city over the next decade.
Arby’s to Move into Famed Gage & Tollner Digs [NY Daily News] GMAP
Another Rumor: Fast Food for Gage & Tollner Space [Brownstoner]
Rumor Mill: Gage & Tollner Space Leased? [Brownstoner]
Photo by Dania Hurley
so sad – I was really getting my hopes up about Cheesecake Factory.
and as a native NYer – I grew up on the Lower East Side when it was dangerous and scary – totally agree with *Rob* – not thrilled with over-saturation of chains, but was so psyched to get a Red Lobster and would kill for Cheescake Factory (I really have a minor obsession with this place). I love that Target is just 2 subway stops away. Ikea is a good walk on a nice day. Admittedly I was even excited when Starbucks first arrived.
Sparafucile,
I read somewhere (curbed, maybe?) that Wal-Mart is taking over the Virgin space at Union Square. How nice, Wal-mart and Whole foods within a block of eachother. Too bad Circuit City’s gone, that would be a trifecta of retail.
> “And the Asshats cry” – classic.
Agreed. Nicely played, DIBS.
We bought Ruby Tuesday’s stock last week. Going to the Times Square location for lunch today. Will report back. Stock price movement oftentimes has no correlation with whether the food is good or bad!!!!
People had their noses in the air, but TGIF’s was well suited to the space, with their faux Victorian decor. I guess under the present economic conditions, it is inevitable that only a chain would be able to come in. I would think one of the casual restaurants would have tried, like Olive Garden or Red Lobster. Both of those would have coined money. I guess the restrictions of the interior might have scared off some businesses.
I am glad the interior is landmarked. It’s beautiful, a vanishing look at old Brooklyn. If it hadn’t, I’m sure it would have been stripped in a heartbeat, and made to look like 99% of the storefronts on Fulton, which have no charm, no design whatsoever.
“And the Asshats cry” – classic. People want an upscale place like G&T, but few actually would go…you get what the market will bear.
“What’s next – a Wal-Mart in Park Slope?”
From your keyboard to God’s ear.
If Wal*Mart ever opens in NYC, it will immediately be one of their very best-performing locations, just like the NYC Targets, Costcos, and Home Depots. That’s what happens when New Yorkers vote with their pocketbooks – they show their love for big box retail.
Rob have you ever been to the Park Slope Food Coop, or a Walmart?
Think first. Then type.
Frugal, the Amy Ruth deal fell through. I was looking forward to it 🙁 I guess I’ll have to continue to trek to Harlem for it.