Joseph Leonard to open

After being under-wraps for quite a while, Joseph Leonard has finally gone public at 170 Waverly PlaceDaily Candy made the announcement today.  Joseph Leonard should get their liquor license today and will open for dinner tomorrow night.  Eventually to be open from breakfast through 2 AM and the menu will continue to change over the course of the day and as the seasons change.

In full disclosure, Fred and I are investors in Joseph Leonard.  Why a restaurant?  The first obvious answer is we love food, the industry, eating out, etc.  Instead of opening our own, why not invest in one.  The second is that Gabrielle Stulman, who opened Little Owl and Market Table, has a proven track record.  He is smart, scrappy, understands the industry, loves what he does like no other, has 2 incredibly successful restaurants under his cap and has proved he knows how to make payroll.  He is also charming which is an obvious added bonus. 

We first met Gabe at Little Owl which we frequented when the doors first opened, then we moved it over to Market Table.  We continue to frequent both restaurants but one of the things we also loved about both of these restaurants, besides the food and the vibe, was Gabe was working the room.  That is how we met him.  I wrote about him years ago when Little Owl first opened and thought he was this generations Danny Meyer.  I know that is a steep compliment but lets see if my prediction turns out to be right.  We can check back in about 10 years.

Make sure you get over to check out the place.  The decor is inviting, charming and makes you want to hang out there all day.  Jim McDuffee, the chef, will be sure to want you coming back for more.  Personally, when I am in town, you will probably find me there at the bar for breakfast, lunch or dinner, enjoying our new local spot. 

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Comments (Archived):

  1. kirklove

    Congrats and best of luck. Look forward to trying it. Love Market Table.

    1. Gotham Gal

      Thanks

  2. jessRes

    Pathetic and cliche. This is what happens when the nouveau rich get antsy. After all, there is only so much time one can spend in the Hamptons or in Paris. What to do with all that idle time? “Fred, you know I like to cook, right? The kids are all grown up now and I don’t have a thing to do all day. Sure we got a new dog and a fancy new $25 million home, but I’m so bored. So please, hon, buy me a restaurant so I have somewhere to go, get sloshed on white wine spritzers and pretend I’m actually a meaningful contributor.” Puke.

    1. jsepoch

      pathetic and cliche is making assumptions on someones character in vicious unfounded verbal assaults.your comment played into the worse stereotypes without any knowledge of the individual. even more so, it was mean spirited. isn’t there enough venom and anger in the world? why add to it. and for what it’s worth, gotham gal drinks scotch neat. try one. it may take some of your edge off.

    2. Atlanticgull

      Wow. That was completely uncalled for.I’ve followed Joanne for years and never commented but I have to speak up after this bit of nastiness. Regardless of my opinions I have repeatedly applauded her honesty and conscientious pursuit of openness. Why begrudge her ability to be a trendsetter or an investor. Hey, support the guy who opened Little Owl??? I would if I could. Please tell me where the crime is in that? Investors are as important as the guy who does the plumbing. You come off as either jealous or petty, take your pick.Joanne, not that you need anyone to tell you this but go on investing, eating, reading, parenting, reviewing and musing. And if I ever have the pleasure of running into you at ANY bar (Hamptons, Manhatten, Utah or oh my god, Paris!!!) I hope you’ll let me buy you a scotch!

      1. Gotham Gal

        You are on. I will buy you a scotch or any drink of choice. Many thanksfor the support.

    3. Gotham Gal

      I actually do a lot with my time vs sitting around eating bonbons all day.In essence, I really don’t have that much idle time. Perhaps thisinvestment, which we are actually involved (hence we are meaningfulcontributors) will create jobs, help someone be able to execute on theirvision and create economies for the city of New York.

    4. fredwilson

      jerry and atlantic gull said it well so i am not going to get into that stuff, but jessres should know that our money is as much hers as mine. she made a lot of money early in our marriage and allowed me to be patient with my career. so it’s not “buy me a restaurant” but more like “i’m investing in a restaurant”.

  3. rachel

    i love your openness and candid talk so much. I’ve always imagined if I blogged could I handle being so transparent. It irked me to read the comments yesterday, because as a long time reader who has learned so much from you, they took advantage and I don’t like that. Continue to rock on 🙂

  4. joe essenfeld

    Congrats, ever since Chumley’s was destroyed there really hasn’t been a defacto neighborhood spot.I have also has great experiences with Gabe at Joey’s restaurants.Best of luck, I will be sure to check it out this weekend.

    1. Gotham Gal

      Great. Btw, gabe and joey were 50/50 partners at the beginning.joanne [email protected]

      1. bellyitcher

        Thanks Gotham Gal. :)-Gabe’s Sis

  5. bijan

    Sounds fantastic.i’m going to be in nyc at the end of the month with lauren and the kids. we will definitely have breakfast or lunch at Joseph Leonard.Congrats!

  6. alesspetic

    Congratulations! I’m looking forward to check it out on my next NYC visit. I’m super excited for you and Fred. Best of luck!

  7. karen_e

    Fun to hear about this! Will have to schedule a fall weekend in NYC.

  8. nsolomon

    I look forward to your objective review of this restuarant when it opens. you’ve been very open when there’s been any form of conflict on products you sample – I’m sure you’ll be more honest here. good case study for truthfulness in the new media. Even more so, I look forward to trying the new restaurant. PS that nasty commenter was totally uncalled for

    1. Gotham Gal

      I have been thinking a lot about that. I hope that the food is so fantastic that I can only rave but I do believe honesty is still the best policy.joanne [email protected]

      1. daryn

        Congratulations, this will definitely be on our list next time we’re in town!As far as your full review goes, since you’re involved with the place, you’ll be getting a lot of early tastes, so hopefully you get a chance to give direct feedback and let the folks smooth out the opening bumps before being too honest 🙂

      2. Gregg Smith

        Looks great. We’ll try to get by there this weekend.

  9. Danny Moon

    Had dinner at Joseph Leonard last night. Great ambiance, great food and great owner. For someone who already has 2 successful restaurants under his belt, I was impressed by how Gabe was working the door and how he took the time to check up on us and learn our names. Always nice touches. Definitely heading back.

  10. eggfan

    When is JL going to be open for Breakfast? Menupages already has a menu, but the restaurant is only open for dinner as of Aug 23rd 2009. thanks

    1. Gotham Gal

      Supposedly the week of Labor Day or around then. Lunch toojoanne [email protected]

    2. Gotham Gal

      Supposedly the week of Labor Day or around then. Lunch toojoanne [email protected]

    3. Gotham Gal

      Supposedly the week of Labor Day or around then. Lunch toojoanne [email protected]

    4. Gotham Gal

      Supposedly the week of Labor Day or around then. Lunch toojoanne [email protected]

    5. Gotham Gal

      Supposedly the week of Labor Day or around then. Lunch toojoanne [email protected]

    6. Gotham Gal

      Supposedly the week of Labor Day or around then. Lunch toojoanne [email protected]

  11. Joe Siewert

    Stopped by JL this past weekend while in town after hearing about it here and on Fred’s blog. Fantastic food and service and very picturesque as the snow blew in Saturday night.

    1. Gotham Gal

      So glad you enjoyed the meal. A very comfy place.