Sardi's Restaurant Sold to the Shuberts; Renovations Will Begin This Summer

The famed Theater District institution Sardi’s has been sold to its landlord, the Shubert Organization, which plans to close the restaurant this summer for an extended renovation before reopening in the fall.

The restaurant opened in 1927, founded by Vincent Sardi and his wife, Eugenia, and quickly became a Broadway mainstay, its walls lined with caricatures of theater stars. It is currently owned by Max Klimavicius, who began working there in 1974 and became a partner of Vincent Sardi Jr. in 1991. After Sardi Jr.’s death in 2007, Klimavicius purchased the business from his widow.

Sardi’s occupies the first four floors of the Shubert Organization’s office building on West 44th Street. The name will remain unchanged, and no major decor overhauls are planned. However, the dining room will be refurbished, with upgrades to lighting, plumbing, and ventilation also taking place. The longstanding menu may also evolve, depending on who takes over the kitchen.

Klimavicius’s final performance will be June 24. He was often seen presiding over caricature unveilings, and making appearances at events ranging from opening-night parties to award shows.

One thing that won’t change? The iconic caricatures. They will continue to line the walls.