Are Pickard & Carmellini Planning an Italian Restaurant?

Word on the street is that hit-making restaurateur Josh Pickard has another East Village project in the works, besides the rumored Southern restaurant with Serge Becker in the 7A space. A reliable Eater source says that Pickard and frequent collaborator Andrew Carmellini are planning to open a casual Italian restaurant like Locanda Verde in the Peels space at 325 Bowery.

Peels restaurateur William Tigertt denies rumors of the takeover, saying, "At this time there is no agreement to sell Peels or close the restaurant." A new liquor license app (PDF) was filed for the space late last year with no names or information attached, but Tigertt says the paperwork was a placeholder for a first floor bar renovation that didn't happen this month. Pickard has no comment on the rumor.
· All Coverage of Josh Pickard [~ENY~]
· All Rumors on Eater [~ENY~]
[Photo]