Jack Gordon is a partner in law firm Kent, Beatty & Gordon and specializes in hospitality law. His clients include such notable restaurants as Esca, L'Artusi, and Spasso as well as new start ups. While he recently spent three weeks in court on a lengthy trial, the bulk of his work revolves around helping restaurants open and remain profitable. His day involves looking at potential spaces with clients looking to open new businesses that range from a boutique doughnut shop to a wine store, and helping them negotiate leases and get the necessary permits. He also meets with long-established clients looking to expand their business, and all along the way he manages to indulge his passion for great wine. Tagging along with him for even just a day is a surprisingly good way to see what restaurants new and old have in the works.
Filed under:
A Day in the Life of Hospitality Attorney Jack Gordon in 33 Photos
It is virtually impossible to open a restaurant in NYC without a lawyer, or rather several lawyers, to help navigate the city's Byzantine real estate, liquor, and labor laws. This is where Jack Gordon comes in. His firm specializes hospitality law and his clients range from long established brands to new start ups. This is an average day in his life in 33 photos.
-
8:00 a.m.
Jack Gordon arrives at 11 Times Square, the site of his law firm's future offices.
-
8:10 a.m.
Meeting with James Danner of SJP Properties, the building owners.
-
-
8:35 a.m.
Gordon catches up on email while taking the train north.
-
-
8:50 a.m.
Gordon spends a couple of hours working the phones and emailing clients.
-
-
11:00 a.m.
Gordon holds a strategy meeting with his team.
-
11:55 a.m.
Gordon heads to Herald Square for a meeting.
-
12:04 a.m.
Gordon meets client Zod Arifai, Chef/Owner of Blu and Next Door in Montclair, NJ. Gordon helps chefs like Arifai negotiate consulting jobs at hotels and restaurants.
-
12:16 p.m.
Inspecting the kitchen with John Parker, the COO of Real Hospitality Group.
-
12:31 p.m.
Inspecting the roof top bar.
-
1:01 p.m.
-
1:03 p.m.
Gordon arrives at Esca.
-
1:13 p.m.
Gordon meets with chef Dave Pastarnack.
-
-
1:34 p.m.
Gordon enjoys a "lovely" glass of Nativ Aglianico.
-
1:45 p.m.
Working the phone and the spaghetti neri.
-
2:08 p.m.
Gordon visits wine bar Adella, Kelly McCaffery pours a glass of 2010 Renato Ratti Barolo Marcenasco.
-
2:35 p.m.
Gordon heads downtown.
-
2:55 p.m.
Gordon meets with client Mahesh Lekkala to look at a commercial space.
-
Lekkala owns several wine shops in NJ and is looking to expand across the river. Gordon advises him on he lease, but also the viability of the area.
-
-
3:20 p.m.
Gordon visits Chamber Street Wines.
-
4:00 p.m.
Gordon arrives at 10 Morton Street, where he meets clients Leslie Polizzotto and Troy Neal of Doughnut Project.
-
In addition to negotiating the lease, Gordon helps with trademarking and protecting intellectual property.
-
4:30 p.m.
Gordon meets with August Cardona, managing member of L’Artusi, dell’anima, Anfora.
-
Cardona and Gordon discuss Epicurean Events, the company's events branch, which is considering a large space.
-
5:20 p.m.
Leaving L'Artusi.
-
5:45 p.m.
The Spotted Pig
-
-
6:35 p.m.
Gordon arrives at a charity dinner at Del Posto.
-
7:07 p.m.
Gordon chats with Roberto Conterno, winemaker at Giacomo Conterno.
