According to Crain’s, Lizarran, a Spanish fast-casual chain that specializes in Basque pintxos and tableside flamenco performances, will open its first New York location in January, at 45 Mercer Street (in the former Cendrillon space). According to Lizarran’s website, where a sample menu is posted, the chain started in Cataluña two decades ago and has grown to 200 restaurants in eight countries, everywhere from China to California. Crain’s says it’s planning no less than five locations in Gotham. This first location is a cobblestone’s throw from ñ, the tiny tapas bar near the French Culinary Institute where students go to trade gossip about their instructors — it remains to be seen whether McTapas will lure them away.
SoHo landlord in aggressive eatery grab [Crain’s]
Lizarran Tapas Restaurant [Official site]
