Glenn Beck media executives to open wine bar in Gramercy Park

Conservatives and oenophiles alike will soon have a new spot to sip their wine. Kevin and Chis Balfe — executives at Mercury Radio Arts, the publishing, radio and television production company founded by conservative political commentator Glenn Beck — have partnered to bring a new wine bar to Gramercy Park, according to the New York Observer. The team, known as 4 Mori Restaurant Group, has signed a modest 625-square-foot lease at 284 Third Avenue, between 22nd and 23rd streets, and will open a wine bar, dubbed, VITIS La Vineria, which will emphasize Italian, French and Spanish wines.

The Beck execs have joined restaurant consultant Gianluca Deiana, who has experience at Asellina and Arte Cafe, in the venture and Kevin Barrett of Platinum Properties represented the tenant and landlord, One A Kim, Inc. The deal closed in five months start to finish and was listed within Barnett’s first two weeks with Platinum. “To list this property after two weeks and close the transaction after just five months in the city was quite a treat,” Mr. Barrett said.

Deiana said that he is looking to open five more Manhattan restaurants and wine bars in the next two years under his and the VITIS name. “This will be an upscale place in a neighborhood with the demographics to support one,” Barrett said.  [NYO] —Christopher Cameron