Owen for Business

Welcome back to Owen for Business! From the South Street Seaport to Battery Park City, an array of new establishments has just opened that will entice, surprise, and satisfy Lower Manhattanites. If you see any new retailers or changes to existing retailers, please email me at [email protected]. Thanks!

Soul Daddy – 189 Front Street, 212-269-2324

It’s no surprise that Jamawn Woods, winner of the reality TV competition “America’s Next Great Restaurant,” chose Lower Manhattan as the ideal spot for his new restaurant. Soul Daddy, located at the South Street Seaport, combines a fast-casual atmosphere with a new spin on old-school southern soul food.

There is no deep fryer on the premises and Soul Daddy uses only fresh ingredients. The menu includes baked battered chicken instead of fried, pulled-pork sandwiches, collard greens, sweet molasses mustard and much, much more. So if you’re in the mood for some food for the soul, head on down to Soul Daddy.

Red Mango – 111 Fulton Street, 212-321-3210

A kaleidoscope of frozen yogurt flavors awaits you at the recently opened Red Mango location on Fulton Street. You have your choice of Original, Pomegranate and eight other flavors that change depending on the season. This month’s offerings include delectable combinations such as Black Cherry, Raspberry Cheesecake and Dark Chocolate. All flavors, except Dark Chocolate, are nonfat and Red Mango is all-natural, gluten-free, probiotic and kosher. Also, this is the second Red Mango to offer completely self-serve frozen yogurt and smoothies. You can choose your favorite flavors and toppings combos, and create a personalized, delicious concoction. Oh, how sweet it is.

Shake Shack – 215 Murray Street, 646-545-4600

Shake Shack has opened in Lower Manhattan! Shake Shack’s reputation was undeniably established following the success of its original Madison Square Park location. Since then, quite a few locations have sprouted up throughout the city, and Danny Meyer has just opened his latest venture in Battery Park City.

The Shake Shack concept began as a modern day “roadside” burger stand serving delicious burgers, hot dogs, and frozen custard. The menu offers so much more to compliment that famous burger topped with ShackSauce. Shake Shack offers a vegetarian ‘shroom’ burger, a ‘concrete’ made with three layers of frozen custard, and ShackMeister Ale brewed in collaboration with Brooklyn Brewery. It’s no surprise that Shake Shack’s popularity has swept New York, and now Lower Manhattan has our very own spot just down the block.

Merchants Market – 10 Battery Place, New Amsterdam Plein & Pavillion, 212-248-0707

The New Amsterdam Plein & Pavillion designed by Ben van Berkel offers more than just a visual feast. Within the curved structure you will find Merchants Market, a café serving sandwiches, snacks and beverages. There are plenty of tables and seating to enjoy a gourmet snack or sip a refreshing beer. Merchants Market also is the only place in New York where you can get a ‘battery bun,’ which is a scrumptious combination of coffee cake, cinnabon, and deliciousness. And – right next door is a new Downtown Alliance visitor kiosk to help you get around.

Expo Barbers – 90 William Street, 212-785-8000

Owner Isaac Sosunov brings more than 10 years of hairstyling experience to Lower Manhattan. Expo Barbers opens at 7 AM to accommodate the busy rush-hour crowd, but once you recline in one of his leather chairs you won’t be in a hurry anymore. Relax while you watch your program of choice on the HD flat-screen. You’ll likely become a regular once you discover that your fifth haircut is free!

Regis Royal – 21 Rector Street, 212-321-3000

At Regis Royal you’ll find high ceilings, sunlight pouring in and a comfortable modern décor that will prepare you for a “royal” treatment. Menu items such as the bucatini and artichokes a la nona harken back to their Tuscan origins. At Regis Royal there is something for everyone. The tomato bisque and crab cakes already are popular favorites. The chargrilled burger on focaccia bread topped with mushrooms and manchego cheese, and accompanied by truffle and parmesan dusted fries, is a great excuse to leave the office for lunch.

If you’re in the mood for something lighter, try a salad or a thin-crust brick oven pizza, but don’t forget to save some room for dessert! The tiramisu, crème brulee, and assorted cakes are all made in-house and are the perfect finish to any meal.

Empire – 8 Murray Street, 212-346-9688

Empire serves a variety of Japanese, Chinese, and Thai cuisine in a comfortable and convivial space. Try one of its signature dishes, such as Thai mango shrimp, Szechuan triple crown, or orange and sesame beef.

The Copper Barrel – 6 Murray Street, 212-323-7100

A new partnership and a new makeover transformed KD Connelly’s Bar into The Copper Barrel. There is a party and game room downstairs, and all-day happy hour! Drink specials include $3 pints, $4 margaritas, and a variety of other food and drink specials.

Closings:

Maggie’s Cajun – 12 John Street
Hello Pasta –  125 Maiden Lane
L&M Cleaners – 7 Hanover Square
HSBC  – 100 Maiden Lane
Christopher Norman Chocolates – 60 New Street