Worrying, Once Again, About the Fate of Le Cirque

Here's some news that perhaps no one in the restaurant industry will find too shocking: famed restaurant Le Cirque is not doing so well. Mauro Maccioni, co-owner and son of founder and patriarch Sirio, tells New York that "It’s been a tough time," for the 35 year-old restaurant's third iteration, this one in the large and expensive restaurant space within the Bloomberg building. Anyone who has noticed their major press push, the addition of fried chicken nights, burger and fry specials, and Friday club nights would have to agree.

But it's not all doom and gloom. Maccioni says they're fine for the time being because of a new injection of funds and a favorable agreement with their landlords (who have now become their partners). And worrying about the sad state of Le Cirque is nothing new. Back in 2008, Mauro said, "Our five-year plan is to survive 2009. That's going to be about struggling, absolutely not making money and probably losing some."

Meanwhile, the family is scouting a new location for a new concept—"an Italian seafood restaurant tentatively titled Osteria del Mare."
· Le Cirque at the Crossroads [GS]
· All Le Cirque Coverage [~ENY~]