Private real estate developer Hudson Yards has announced a collaboration between chef Thomas Keller and restaurateur and developer Kenneth A. Himmel to curate the dining collection at the Shops & Restaurants at Hudson Yards in New York.
Keller is regarded for his restaurant group, which includes Bouchon Bakery, Ad Hoc, Per Se, Bouchon Bakery & Café, and more. In addition to developing mixed-use complexes such as Chicago’s Water Tower Place, Himmel previously opened the Grill 23 & Bar, the Harvest Restaurant, Post 390, and Bistro du Midi, a joint venture with Marlon Abela Restaurant Corporation.
The collection at Hudson Yards will be Keller and Himmel’s second collaboration—the two previously developed Per Se and Bouchon in Time Warner Center. “Over ten years ago, we partnered on the restaurant collection at Time Warner Center, and I am thrilled to be working with Thomas again to curate the restaurant collection at Hudson Yards,” says Himmel, who is president of Related Urban, the mixed-use division of Related Companies.
Located on Manhattan’s west side, the million-square-foot Hudson Yards will include a new series of eateries, such as a new restaurant by chef Keller and 11 other outlets, all scheduled to open in 2018.
“I look forward to working with Ken again to define a truly special dining experience at Hudson Yards,” says Keller. “The restaurant collection will have a significant impact on Manhattan’s west side, and I can’t think of a better place in the city to take on this extraordinary collaboration. For me, it will be also be a personal triumph. The restaurant I will bring to Hudson Yards is something I have been thinking about for the last 20 years and to be able to celebrate food in this way will be very special for me.”
The news comes on the heels of the announcement that Keller has also partnered with Seattle-based Seabourn Cruise Line on the menu for multiple eateries and a new signature restaurant concept aboard several of its ships.
Hudson Yards is expected to host more than 24 million people annually.
