Jared Kushner Played a Role in Guy Fieri’s Restaurant Closure

Turns out President Trump son-in-law and senior advisor Jared Kushner was Guy Fieri’s landlord at the now-shuttered Guy’s American Kitchen & Bar — and high rents reportedly led to the Times Square restaurant’s late December shutter in the struggling building.

Despite $17 million in annual sales, Fieri’s Times Square restaurant could not sustain the high rent of $1.8 million a year from building owner Kushner Companies, the Washington Post reports. In order to cover other costs and remain profitable, sales reportedly would have needed to be near the $30 million figure at that rent.

Bloomberg adds that the company where Kushner was chief executive until last year is now struggling to fill the building at 220 West 44th St., between 7th and 8th avenues. One person set to enter it though, is embattled celebrity chef Todd English, who plans a food hall to allegedly open in December — despite many delays and no start to construction yet. English, who was recently sued for sexual harassment, is also known for pulling out of projects.

Eater has reached out to Kushner Cos. for more information. Fieri’s team declined to comment.

• Don’t blame the Donkey Sauce. Experts say Guy Fieri’s restaurant didn’t earn enough to survive in NYC. [Washington Post]
• Kushner’s Deutsche Bank-Backed Property Stung by Tenant Troubles [Bloomberg]