Billionaire Tilman Fertitta Purchases Iconic Keens Steakhouse in New York for $30 Million

For $30 million, millionaire Tilman Fertitta purchased Keens, a legendary steakhouse that has been a staple of New York’s culinary scene since 1885. According to Eater New York, the Midtown institution has changed ownership but promises to preserve its historic ambience and illustrious heritage, which has drawn a number of famous people over the years, including Teddy Roosevelt and Babe Ruth.

The city has strong ties to its past as a smoke club, and one of the biggest collections of churchwarden pipes in the world can be found in Keens. Bonnie Jenkins, the general manager of the renowned Midtown location, is in charge of the transfer after working for the former owner, George Schwarz, who passed away in 2016. According to Crain’s New York, the steakhouse’s sale purposefully aimed to guarantee the continuation of the establishment’s distinctive style and dining experience.

In a statement given to Eater, Jenkins stated, “We sought a buyer who consented to let our team continue to operate and manage Keens in the same tradition it has been for the past 140 years.” According to Jenkins, who reflected on the agreement, “George would be happy to know that our new owner, Tilman Fertitta, is committed to maintaining the legacy of our historic brand.”

The revered restaurant, which was supported by the late Anthony Bourdain and recently hosted the wedding of cookbook author Alison Roman, will continue to operate with its traditional atmosphere and management. Fertitta, who is also the CEO of Landry’s, a company that owns a number of restaurant chains, adds this stand-alone New York institution to his portfolio by making a deliberate investment in a venue that offers a distinctive dining experience distinct from the Rainforest Cafes and Bubba Gump Shrimps that are commonly connected to his name.

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