One of New York’s most storied restaurant addresses is set for a new chapter.
Major Food Group has announced plans to take over the former home of Tribeca Grill in Lower Manhattan, marking another significant expansion for the hospitality group behind some of the world’s most influential dining concepts.
Major Food Group (MFG) will assume control of the space previously occupied by Tribeca Grill, the landmark restaurant co-founded by actor Robert De Niro and restaurateur Drew Nieporent.
The move is significant not only because of the location’s cultural importance but also because it underscores how leading hospitality groups are increasingly investing in destination dining assets within major global cities.
For restaurant operators, the transaction reflects broader shifts underway in premium dining and urban hospitality.
Tribeca Grill opened in 1990 and quickly became one of New York City’s most recognizable restaurants, helping establish the Tribeca neighborhood as a dining and cultural destination. For decades, the restaurant attracted celebrities, business leaders, tourists, and local diners while becoming closely associated with the annual Tribeca Festival.
Its closure marked the end of an era in New York hospitality.
Now, one of the industry’s most ambitious restaurant groups is stepping into the space.
Founded by Mario Carbone, Rich Torrisi, and Jeff Zalaznick, Major Food Group has built a global reputation through concepts including Carbone, The Grill, Dirty French, and ZZ’s Club.
Over the past decade, MFG has evolved from a chef-driven restaurant company into a global hospitality platform with projects spanning New York, Miami, Las Vegas, Dallas, Riyadh, Hong Kong, and other international markets.
The Tribeca Grill acquisition reflects the continued rise of large-scale hospitality groups within independent dining.
Traditionally, restaurant expansion was dominated by chains and franchise operators. Today, a growing number of premium hospitality companies are scaling through destination concepts, luxury partnerships, lifestyle experiences, and international licensing agreements while maintaining the identity of independent restaurants.
Major Food Group has become one of the most prominent examples of that model.
