News Summary
Selene by Kyma, a new seafood-focused restaurant, is set to launch in the ModernHaus Soho Hotel in Manhattan. This restaurant will take up a large 10,000 square feet space and is backed by industry veterans. The location has garnered much interest, highlighting its competitive appeal, while contributing to the vibrant dining scene in New York City. As anticipation grows, Selene aims to attract locals and visitors alike with its fresh and innovative seafood offerings.
New Seafood Restaurant Selene by Kyma Set to Open in Manhattan
Manhattan is preparing for the opening of Selene by Kyma, a seafood-driven restaurant positioned to occupy a significant 10,000 square feet at the ModernHaus Soho Hotel. This new establishment is backed by a partnership between notable figures James Ragonese and Reno Christou, with Ragonese having a strong history with LDV Hospitality and Christou being the co-founder of the Kyma Greek restaurant group.
Located at 23 Grand St., near the foot of Sixth Avenue, the restaurant’s space has been highly sought after, attracting “dozens” of competitive offers before the final deal was secured. Both James Famularo and Jacob Mayer from Meridian Capital Group represented the landlord, Thor Equities, while Justin Bustamante from Meridian Capital represented Selene by Kyma in the transaction. The asking rent for this prime location was $90 per square foot.
Selene by Kyma will join the ranks of the already popular Kyma locations that serve Mediterranean cuisine, including sites in Flatiron, Hudson Yards, Roslyn, and West Palm Beach. The restaurant will focus on a menu centered around seafood, appealing to both local residents and visitors eager for fresh and innovative dining options.
Background on the ModernHaus Soho Hotel
The ModernHaus Soho Hotel is a recent transformation of the former James Hotel, which underwent significant changes under Thor Equities after being acquired in 2017. The hotel was closed during the pandemic, but following its refinancing with a $53.5 million loan through Argentic, it is now on track to feature new vibrant offerings, including Selene by Kyma.
Joseph Sitt, chairman of Thor Equities, indicated that the arrival of Selene represents a triumph for the neighborhood, enhancing the hospitality landscape in New York City. However, as of now, no specific opening date for Selene by Kyma has been announced, leaving potential patrons eagerly anticipating the launch of this new culinary destination.
This restaurant not only adds to the evolving dining scene in Soho but also aims to create a unique experience for seafood lovers, contributing to the broader scope of New York’s vibrant hospitality industry.
The dining community and local residents are watching closely, as Selene by Kyma looks to solidify its place within the competitive Manhattan market. As preparations begin, excitement builds over what this new eatery promises to bring to the culinary table.
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HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Commercial Observer: Kyma Restaurant
- New York Post: ModernHaus Soho Hotel
- Eater NY: Monterey Steakhouse Closed
- Wikipedia: Seafood
- Google Search: New York Restaurant Scene

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