Cafe Fiorello, the Italian chophouse across from Lincoln Center on the Upper West Side since 1974, has a new owner. Tilman Fertitta, the Texas billionaire restaurateur and owner of the NBA’s Houston Rockets, is taking over three Manhattan restaurants from the bankrupt Fireman Hospitality Group in a $22 million purchase.

The three restaurants are Trattoria dell’Arte, Fiorello’s and Bond 45. According to the New York Post, the deal was struck with Ciao Hospitality Group, which will act as operator. The Post reports the transaction as a Landry’s acquisition. Landry’s is Fertitta’s restaurant company.

Not every Fireman property is part of the sale. Two Washington, D.C., restaurants, the recently opened Cafe Fiorello and Fiorella Italian Kitchen & Pizzeria, will close this October as part of the deal, as Eater DC first reported.

The purchase fits a pattern. Fertitta has acquired legacy restaurants before, including Keens steakhouse in New York and Union Oyster House in Boston. Both were founded in the 1800s.

His holdings are broad. Under the Landry’s umbrella are the steakhouse chains Morton’s, Mastro’s, Del Frisco’s and Strip House, along with the Mexican restaurant Dos Caminos and the sushi bar Blue Fin. He is also a part owner of New York’s Catch Group, whose restaurants include Corner Store, the Eighty Six, Or’esh and Cafe Charmant.

Eater reports that Fertitta is also serving as President Donald Trump’s appointed ambassador to Italy, and that he has kept his superyacht in Washington.

The Fireman group’s decline began after the pandemic, according to the Post as relayed by Eater. The death last fall of its founder, Shelly Fireman, at 93 did not help. The company was left with nearly $10 million in secured claims. Its RedEye Grill, known for what it called the famous dancing shrimp, closed this summer after three decades across from Carnegie Hall.

The reports do not say what changes, if any, Fertitta or Ciao Hospitality plan for the three Manhattan restaurants. They also do not give a closing date for the sale.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is buying Trattoria dell’Arte, Fiorello’s and Bond 45?

Texas billionaire Tilman Fertitta, through his restaurant company Landry’s, is buying the three Manhattan restaurants out of bankruptcy from Fireman Hospitality Group. The deal is reported as a Landry’s acquisition, with Ciao Hospitality Group acting as operator.

How much is Tilman Fertitta paying for the Fireman restaurants?

Fertitta is paying $22 million for the three Manhattan restaurants: Trattoria dell’Arte, Fiorello’s and Bond 45. The purchase is being made from the bankrupt Fireman Hospitality Group.

Which Fireman restaurants are closing in Washington, D.C.?

Cafe Fiorello and Fiorella Italian Kitchen & Pizzeria in Washington, D.C. will close this October as part of the deal. Eater DC first reported the closures.

Why did Fireman Hospitality Group go bankrupt?

The company declined after the pandemic and was further hurt by the death of founder Shelly Fireman at 93 last fall. It was left with nearly $10 million in secured claims.

What other legacy restaurants has Tilman Fertitta bought?

Fertitta previously acquired Keens steakhouse in New York and Union Oyster House in Boston, both founded in the 1800s. His purchase of the Fireman restaurants continues this pattern of buying historic restaurants.

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