Report: Shamlian’s Fat Baby and Spitzer’s in Trouble
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Recall that nightlife magnate Rob Shamlian brazenly quipped to the New York Press back in 2011 that he was “done with the Lower East Side.” That he’d “had enough” and would “get the hell out of there.” Two years after that proclamation, we’re now hearing some juicy, unconfirmed talk on the street that seems to fulfill that prophecy.
While Tiny Fork edges closer to opening, a pair of Shamlian’s other holdings are reportedly in limbo. First up, Spitzer’s Corner at 101 Rivington Street. Sources explain that the five-year-old gastropub is allegedly two weeks behind on paying its employees, and that the business is up for sale. Apparently the asking price is in the neighborhood of $2.5 million; no buyers yet. While we’re on the topic, it’s also worth noting that the lawsuit brought on by former kitchen employee Edward Kim was settled back in October for an undisclosed sum.
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And then there’s Fat Baby, the cavernous club that opened in 2005 catty-corner to the Spitz. Sources claim that the multilevel douchefest is months behind on rent payments, even after the landlord allegedly reduced it. Moreover, we are told that a former bartender recently quit due to management pressuring staff to bring friends in to buy drinks. Sinking ship and not much money to go around.
Ruh-roh.
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