Fate of Two Downtown Old Timers in the Hands of CB2

A couple of interesting downtown developments from the Community Board 2 docket emerge today. First, EV Grieve learns that Segafredo Zanetti Espresso Café, the Italian coffee and cafe chain, is hoping to open a restaurant at 348 Bowery, currently the home of auto body shop Downtown Auto & Tire. Needless to say, the Grieve is none too thrilled about the idea of the potentially clubby restaurant heading to the space, but it's not an incredibly surprising move (and if they don't take over the space, someone will).

Meanwhile, further to the west, there are some rumblings at old timer Fedora, which is currently run by its namesake, the 90 year-old Fedora Dorata. . Back in April, it was reported that a couple of big time operators, namely Graydon Cater and hotel team Eric Goode and Sean MacPherson were eying the space. And now, Grub Street notices that it's on the Community Board 2 docket as Little Wisco (doing business as NA), which they note points to nightlife man Noel Ashman.

Both properties will go before the Community Board tonight.
· The Bowery to get a South Beach diet [EVG]
· Could Noel Ashman Be Taking Over West Village Fixture Fedora? [GS]