Saro Bistro on Norfolk Is Sold; La Contenta Takes Over
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Many in the neighborhood consider the three-year-old Saro Bistro a jewel of the Lower East Side dining scene. Named for his grandmother, the Balkan-infused restaurant at 102 Norfolk Street was the singular vision of chef-owner Eran Elhalal, who served up comfort food “left by two long lost empires” – Austro-Hungarian and Ottoman. Now, to the chagrin of many, the good times are done.
Saro has been closed for the last couple months. The hand-written sign currently on the door explains the business timeout as kitchen related. Behind the scenes, however, plans were underway to sell, with listings having materialized as far back as January. And that’s precisely what happened.
An entity called La Contenta purchased the assets last month, and received liquor license transfer approval from Community Board 3. The restaurant newcomer will feature a fusion of Mexican and French cuisine.
Sale price of the assets wasn’t confirmed, but this Loopnet listing carries a cost of $250,000 in key money, plus a monthly rent of $2,500.
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