Wednesday 17 August 2022 05:46 PM Mystery New York billionaire offers Central Park's iconic Loeb Boathouse $6 ... trends now
A mystery New York billionaire has offered to save Central Park's famous Loeb Boathouse after operator Dean Poll said he would shutter the landmark due to rising costs.
The billionaire has offered $6 million in financing to help save the iconic restaurant, which was due to close its doors on October 17 because of inflating food prices and labor costs.
Poll had indicated he would close the restaurant after failing to negotiate with Local 6, the union that the restaurant's employees are a part of after the union was unwilling to tolerate job cuts.
Now, the investment means Poll can continue on as the operator of the restaurant, while the 163 union employees currently working there may not need to be laid off.
The iconic Central Park Loeb Boathouse, famous for its lakeside views, delectable plates and boat rides, will be closing its doors on October 16
Dean Poll, who owns the Loeb Boathouse, said he'd be shuttering the eatery by mid-October due to rising costs, but may have been saved by the mysterious billionaire
The Loeb Boathouse has featured in films and shows, including the 1989 movie 'When Harry Met Sally' (pictured), starring Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal
Central Park's famous restaurant is also featured in the 1990 film 'Three men and a Little Lady,' starring Tom Selleck, Steve Guttenberg and Ted Danson
The billionaire's proposed lifeline will also help with renovations to Loeb Boathouse, reportedly including a new roof.
Before the angel investor swooped in, New York City's Parks Department was planning to auction off the restaurant in a complex, often months-long licensing process.
While the Parks Department indicated they would try to expedite the process, it may have left Loeb Boathouse empty for years until an agreement was reached, but the investment appears to ensure there will be no need.
The owner of the restaurant must pay the city a fee of up to $1.702 million or 7.2 percent of gross annual
