APOCALYPSE: TGI Friday's Coming to Union Square

Union Square: @newyorkology tweets: "E-mail press release says: "TGI Friday’s and Tim Hortons to Occupy 34 Union Square East." And by golly, Crain's has the full story (cached version for subscription wall), confirming that the fast-casual chain will join Best Buy and Nordstrom Rack in forming the new Union Square.

The Riese Organization just purchased 34 Union Square (between 15th and 16th), formerly home to Zen Palate and plans to install a Friday's and a bonus Tim Horton's in the space. Its been vacant in the two years since Zen Palate vacated due to "astronomical and non-negotiable increases" in their rent, a rent that has dropped 40% in the last six months. Choice quote: "...while many chefs in the district purchase food from the popular green market there, T.G.I. Friday's will not join them, says Mr. Riese. 'We are not that type of restaurant...'" Indeed.
· @Newyorkology [Twitter]
· Expanding the food chain at Union Square [Crain's]
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