FiDi’s restaurant revival still far from reality

The Financial District’s restaurant scene continues to get upgrades, according to the New York Post, but not exactly to the extent that its wave of new residents were hoping. The latest new eatery is Roti Mediterranean Grill, a healthy fast food chain with 16 outposts in Chicago and Washington, D.C. that’s opening in a 2,000-square-foot space at 100 Maiden Lane in January.

While Roti was able to find suitable space in a retail location that formerly housed an HSBC, most available spaces at former bank vaults are too large and many of the remaining potential locations are very small and narrow. As a result, the Post said, major restaurateurs are scared off from the neighborhood even though its residents clamor for more dining options. Though the neighborhood once appeared to be gaining some restaurant momentum the loss of SHO from 40 Broad Street was a big blow.

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Now, most of the momentum is limited to “quality chains,” according to the Post. For example, Pret A Manger, Financier and Chipotle have expanded into former dive eateries. Meanwhile a GRK, a restaurant offering Greek yogurt-based dishes has opened at 111 Fulton Street and a 23,000-square-foot supermarket with fresh eating options opened at 55 Fulton Street. [Post, 1st item]Adam Fusfeld