Matt Levine and Michael Shah Are Splitsville

Earlier today, news broke that Cocktail Bodega was down for the count because of "building issues," with owner Matt Levine saying that it and its subterranean club CBU would return when those issues were resolved. Looks like that's not going to be the case, though, as a rep for partner Michael Shah sends word that the company has parted ways with Levine, meaning Levine is out at both Cocktail Bodega, Sons of Essex, and their forthcoming MePa project. Here's the statement:

IndieFork Hospitality has parted ways with Matt Levine effective immediately. We are grateful for all Matt has done for us, and wish him the best of luck with his future endeavors. We look forward to continuing to serve our wonderful patrons at Sons of Essex with quality food and a distinctive atmosphere. Cocktail Bodega has been closed and will reopen with a brand new concept.

It's been a busy month for Sons of Essex, where executive chef Seth Levine left a couple weeks ago. No word yet on what the new concept for the Cocktail Bodega space will be.

Here's Matt Levine's response:

Sons of Essex is an extremely successful brand that I created and built, there are creative differences between hospitality vision and real estate plays on the other properties, its far from the truth that I am no longer involved, but I can say, our lawyers are handling the rest.

This one seems to be most definitely for the lawyers. Developing, of course.
· Building Troubles Shutter Matt Levine's Cocktail Bodega [~ENY~]
· All Coverage of Matt Levine [~ENY~]
[Sons of Essex Photo]

Sons of Essex

133 Essex St., New York, NY