Celebrity News

Four Seasons restaurant may be forced out of famed location

Manhattan power lunchers may have to find a new spot to dine.

Rumors abound that the Four Seasons will have to move out of its famed location in the Seagram Building at 99 E. 52nd St.

The landmarked eatery’s owners are currently in negotiations over the lease — but the Manhattan chatter is that building owner Aby Rosen may be looking to open his own restaurant in the famous space.

One source told us, “The Four Seasons restaurant is likely losing its lease when the current deal expires. [It] is part of a bigger battle with the developer/owner wanting to reclaim the space.”

The historic spot — where regulars include Steve Schwarzman, Si Newhouse, Tom Ford, Anna Wintour, Pete Peterson and Martha Stewart — may have to vacate if its co-owners and landlord — Rosen’s RFR Holding — cannot come to an agreement on the lease, which expires in late 2016.

Reports surfaced last year that RFR took out a $783 million mortgage on the space and the lender has stipulated the new rent must increase substantially from its current rate.

Negotiations over the situation are ongoing. Four Seasons co-owner Julian Niccolini insisted, “We’ve been here since 1959, and we’ll be here for another 15 years.” Rosen, who married Samantha Boardman at the Four Seasons in 2005, was traveling and couldn’t be reached.

This week, the New York Times reported that a Picasso artwork hanging in the lobby must be moved to make repairs in the building, but some believed it could be a ploy by Rosen to move the painting out so he can move other art pieces from his pristine collection into the restaurant.