On Wednesday, October 25, 2023, Jeff, Russ and Jack Sinanaj welcomed over 100 special guests including the Mayor of New York City Eric Adams to celebrate the opening of their third Empire Steak House location in Midtown Manhattan at The Pearl Hotel (233 W. 49th Street) in New York City.
New York City Hospitality Alliance Executive Director Andrew Rigie, Broadway League President Charlotte St. Martin, Times Square Alliance President Tom Harris and Broadway Association Chair Cristyne Nicholas shared remarks on Broadway’s impact on businesses like Empire Steak House and how this restaurant’s opening symbolizes the resilience of New York City. Broadway stars Melba Moore and Andre De Shields were also on hand for the celebratory evening, which included a ceremonial ribbon cutting with Mayor Eric Adams who mingled with guests and congratulated the Sinanaj brothers on being the embodiment of the American Dream.
Tony award-winning producer Irene Gandy, MJ star Elijah Johnson, Purlie Victorious cast members Heather Alicia Simms and Vanessa Bell Calloway, along with Phillip Boykin, Natasha Yvette Williams, Thayne Jasperson, Kara Young, Lisa Arrindell, Emma Snowdon Jones, George Wayne and Chazz Palminteri were among the notable names in attendance.
Empire Steak House’s foundation was built on the nearly 40-year journey of the Sinanaj brothers. Russ, Jack and Jeff Sinanaj came to New York City from Montenegro in the 1980’s with the determination to succeed due to an extremely strong work ethic they credit to their father. After learning the trade at Peter Luger Steak House, Jack with his brothers by his side, sought to bring warmth and hospitality to each restaurant they opened. The brothers not only own Empire Steak House, with locations in NYC on E. 50th Street, W. 54th Street and W. 49th Street and Broadway, as well as a location in Tokyo, but they also own Chazz Palminteri Italian Restaurant, which can be found in NYC and Westchester.