Open for 65 years across from Bloomingdales, Gino’s attracted generations of not only New Yorkers, but also the world’s political, business, athletic and cultural leaders.
Gino’s possessed the qualities that many restaurants long for: a loyal fan base, delectable food and a décor so unique that it remained associated with Gino’s even after its closing. Shortly after Gino’s closed its doors, another Manhattan restaurant was on the brink of following in its footsteps. Located just a few blocks from Gino’s, Pescatore Restaurant, owned by restaurateur Charles Devigne, was competing with a crop of glitzy new neighborhood eateries. Charles knew he needed to make a substantial change to stand out. Determined to save his business, he embarked on a major renovation, hiring a designer to help him achieve his vision. Charles believed his restaurant deserved to be on the same level as other successful New York establishments and he wanted to put Pescatore on the map. In doing so, he made a controversial decision — to put up the prancing zebra wallpaper made world famous by the recently shuttered Gino’s.
This video examines this controversy and considers how diners feel about their beloved restaurants, their memories of not only the food but also of their emotional attachments to the restaurants' ambiance, owners and décor.
