Here’s some more information about a story we included in our “Morning Reads” today concerning a possible kosher restaurant coming to 171 East Broadway, the former home of “Broadway East.” A trade publication, “Kosher Today” reported that real estate developer Michael Bolla is trying to open up a new vegetarian kosher spot in the location. A short time ago, we spoke with Ron Castellano, who closed vegetarian-centric Broadway East about three years ago and operated a pop-up concept from the restaurant for a time. He’s spent the last several months renovating the space.
Castellano, who partnered with Bolla on the neighboring Forward Building condo conversion, said a few different proposals are being considered. Bolla has a desire to open a kosher restaurant but different concepts from other potential partners are on the table, as well. Back in the day, there was a kosher-style (it wasn’t endorsed by a rabbi) vegetarian restaurant called Schildkraut’s at 171 East Broadway, so there’s quite a history in this spot.
Castellano, an architect as well as nightlife operator, has been taking his time revamping the interior, installing a wood-burning oven among other improvements. Last spring, Bolla said he intended to open a judaica shop on the Lower East Side, but those plans fizzled. Bolla is an Orthodox Jew. He’s involved in the development and marketing of the Madison Jackson residential building.
