Brooks Brothers, the American retailer founded in 1818, is planning to open a steakhouse in Manhattan called "Makers and Merchants" as early as next summer, according to a report from the New York Post. The chain follows a string of retailers dabbling in food and drink to drive sales at physical locations in an increasingly competitive shopping environment.
The steakhouse, at 11 E. 44th Street, would be located about a block from rival Tommy Bahama's New York restaurant, which opened less than a year ago. Analysts at Brean Capital wrote in a note just today that the New York City Tommy Bahama flagship, which includes the restaurant, "is increasingly looking like a winner," with solid business during lunch and happy hour, though it is aiming to increase dinner traffic.
Brooks Brothers may use the steakhouse as a prototype for a national chain, according to the Post, which cited anonymous sources. A spokesman for Brooks Brothers said the chain doesn't have any additional information on the opening outside of the Post's report.
Urban Outfitters, which has restaurants at its Terrain home-and-garden stores in Connecticut and Pennsylvania, is reportedly aiming to open a restaurant in its new namesake location in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, that may be run by chef Ilan Hall. Banana Republic and Loft are among chains that have served cocktails to customers at various shopping events.