Tribeca Memories

Does anyone remember this from Tribeca?

As the story goes... Us New Yorkers (Jack, Jerry and myself) decided one summer day to beat the heat and move west. Well that’s what the press release said anyway. Fact is as I know it, Jack DeNicola and Ray Gilmore who owned Roeblings restaurant in the South street seaport in NYC had the vision to open up a NY style bar/restaurant in LA. I worked for them from 1983 till we headed west in 1988. I was just a kid out of culinary school and took a job as a grill cook. In the ...5 years I worked with them I not only learned a ton about the restaurant business but learned what it was like to be a family in the restaurant business. Jack and Ray did it right. They made it enjoyable to go to work. They made it fun. Jerry who worked at another bar in NYC got involved through Tommy O’Neill who knew Jack and Ray. Already in California was Mike Bower who originally had some involvement in Roeblings in NY. I was leaving to move to Hawaii when Jack asked me if I wanted to be involved and be the chef. Of course I jumped at the chance. Ray ended up staying behind in NY. There were quite a few behind the scenes investors too. Jacks brother Johnny D, Tommy O’Neill and some of the Weisman family (still not sure who they were) and later James (miss him every day) The original idea for the LA restaurant was much different than what Tribeca turned out to be. A very casual Live bait funky place was the original thought. However that wasn’t NY. The location at 242 N Beverly Dr was found. A restaurant space which had never seen success. So we were told. What happened next was quite amazing. We opened our doors in August of 1988. And thanks to all of you guys our employees and customers made Tribeca what it was. A family and a crazy success! We had our ups and downs as any family does. In the end we all have that bond. Working in one of the fun , happening restaurants in all of LA. It’s hard to believe it’s been 30 years! Most of us now have families and kids. My kids are on this page. I hope you’ll invite yours too. I encourage all of you to post pictures or tell stories to keep the Tribeca memories alive. It truly was fun. Thank you Tribeca family Ken

Thanks go out to all of you who came to the party so early. Please share this page with employees and your favorite customers. Reunion for loyal Tribeceans planned for August of 2018. Will most likely be in Los Angeles area. Suggestions for the party are welcome.