Chef Todd English's 14 year-old location of Olives in New York City is about to get a whole lot less Todd English-y. The Boston Globe reports that the Gerber Group "took over operations of Olives at W Union Square last week." Gerber Group operates several restaurants and bars across the country with venues like Whiskey Blue and Living Room. English's reps tell the Globe that the restaurant has actually been "licensed by the Gerber Group" and that "menus, name, and concept are staying the same." The rep also says English is "still involved."
It remains unclear whether English's name will still continue to be attached with the restaurant formally; the website still refers to the restaurant as "Todd English's Olives" and has his picture in an introductory slideshow on the homepage. Also unclear is whether English still has any ownership in the company.
English has been pulling out of several of his establishments for the past year. In July, the original Olives in Charlestown, MA was seized over a $780,000 debt. Then in October, English was about to cut ties with the Bellagio in Las Vegas (who didn't renew his contract to run Olives there) but then ended up staying. In December, English split from MCXDC in DC, supposedly to "keep focused on our core restaurant brands." Like Olives?
· Todd English's NYC Olives Taken Over By the Gerber Group [BG via Eater NY]
· All Todd English Coverage on Eater [-E-]