STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Steaks and the all-you-can-eat salad bar of Charlie Brown’s fame are long gone from 1001 Goethals Road North. Now, the 10,000-plus-square-foot location is poised for its next restaurant iteration — Umi Seafood Buffet.
The free-standing Graniteville building with its expansive parking lot and easy highway access has piqued interest from out-of-state franchise owners, according to past reports. After the pandemic quashed deals and the property lay vacant for almost four years, viable takers have entered the market once again.
Landlord Alfonso D’Elia guesses Umi’s grand opening will be anywhere from five months to a year, depending on city permits.
“I think it’s going to be pretty quick,” he said.
WHY IT’S AN EASY TRANSITION
Staten Island was home to New York City’s only Charlie Brown’s outpost. When the company suddenly shut the location in 2019, it left behind a fully functioning eatery. Perfectly intact remains a fire-suppression system, sprinkler and HVAC system and even furnished dining nooks.
Despite its vacant status over the years, Alfonso’s brother, Tommy D’Elia, meticulously maintained the property. He kept the parking lot and premises broom clean, plus stayed on top of repairs.
Alfonse added that the proprietors are seasoned restaurant people with several other established locations throughout New York City and New Jersey.
A former Umi Sushi & Hibachi restaurant was located at 939 Forest Ave. It closed during the pandemic. On a separate note, that address will soon be home to The Cast Iron Pot AYCE Korean BBQ. The Korean BBQ sit-down concept is not affiliated with UMI and should be open by mid-December.
Pamela Silvestri is Advance Food Editor. She can be reached at [email protected].
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