After 99 years as a cornerstone of New York City’s Theater District, Sardi’s—the legendary restaurant known for its celebrity caricatures, burgundy banquettes, and deep ties to Broadway—will be closing its doors on June 24th, 2026.
But not to worry, it’s not a curtain call, only a temporary intermission.
The closure comes as longtime owner Max Klimavicius, who has helmed the iconic eatery for 33 years, steps down.
According to a report by The New York Times, ownership will transfer to the Shubert Organization, the theater company that also owns the building.
🎭 Preserving An Icon
Despite the transition, fans of the restaurant can rest assured: the space will not be redesigned, the cherished celebrity caricatures will remain, the burgundy banquettes will stay, and the Sardi’s name will be preserved.
Sardi’s will undergo a series of infrastructure upgrades, including improvements to lighting, ventilation, and plumbing.
The restaurant’s signature look won’t change; artwork will be placed in temporary storage during the work.
Renovations are expected to last through the fall, with the restaurant slated to reopen around November 10th, 2026, coinciding with previews of the musical Galileo at the nearby Shubert.
📚 A Legendary Hub of Broadway History
The restaurant stands as a longtime cultural institution.
Founded in 1927 by Vincent Sardi Sr. and Eugenia Sardi, Sardi’s has long been a gathering place for actors, producers, and theater lovers.
The Tony Awards were first conceived within its walls, and the restaurant has starred in films and TV shows including The Muppets Take Manhattan, Smash, and Blue Moon.
For theater professionals, having your caricature on Sardi’s walls remains one of the ultimate rites of passage. Its walls are e a living record of Broadway history.
To learn more about the iconic restaurant, see their official website.
