44-07 Queens Blvd. (Photo: QueensPost)
Jan. 14, 2013 Staff Report
The space that was occupied by the now-defunct Tapenade Bistro (44-07 on Queens Blvd) is about to get a new tenant.
Tapenade closed after being in business for about nine months, as the restaurant’s casual French fare failed to generate enough business.
“We should know within a week what kind of restaurant is taking over,” a leading Sunnyside real estate broker said. “That place is a real turnkey [business ready to operate]; it’s in great condition.”
Tapenade was owned and operated by Alim Maruf and Abu Khan.
Maruf was the former owner of Bliss Bistro, which was a French bistro located on Skillman Ave. (46th St.). Despite its initial popularity, Bliss Bistro failed.
Khan had owned a Sunnyside bodega, called Executive Grocery, at 46-22 Queens Blvd.
Maruf left Tapenade about a month before its closing and started working at La Bouchon, a French restaurant at 304 East 78th Street in Manhattan. He is hoping to attain a partnership stake there.
La Bouchon is owned by Shekh Noman, who also owns Saffron Garden on Skillman Avenue.
