"There’s no reason to do business in New York. I can do the same volume in Florida in the same square feet as I would have in New York, with my expenses being much less. The idea was that branding and locations were important, but the expense of being in this city has overtaken the marketing group that says you have to be there."

Michael Weinstein, chief executive of Ark Restaurants, which owns Bryant Park Grill & Cafe and 19 other restaurants, commenting to The New York Times for its report this week, “Retail Chains Abandon Manhattan: ‘It’s Unsustainable.’” Weinstein said he will never open another restaurant in New York, according to the NY Times report.