By Mark Hallum
Vivaldi Ristorante will be splitting up with the Parks Department in what the city agency is calling an early and mutual termination of its licensing agreement.
The classic Italian restaurant currently operates out of a building at 201-10 Cross Island Parkway that was once the home of silent film actor Rudolph Valentino and former Mayor Fiorello LaGuardia.
“We intend to release a new Request for Proposals for the operation, renovation and maintenance of the restaurant and banquet facility, and we hope to have a new operator in place prior to the termination of this contract in order to avoid a break in service,” Parks chief spokeswoman Meghan Lalor said.
Vivaldi is operating under a lease as a park concession like the arrangement for Tavern on the Green in Manhattan and other restaurants on city land in the five boroughs.
It was not immediately known when Vivaldi would close.
According to Parks, Vivaldi owners expressed financial concerns about their ability to maintain operations in the long term despite the fact they were able to see increases in yearly revenue. The operators had also entered into multiple payment plans with the Parks Department. The owners ultimatedly decided to move on from the deal they had with the city agency and shutter the restaurant.
The venue features an attractive atmosphere with views of Throgs Neck Bridge and Clearview Golf Course.
The restaurant opened in 2013 after two short-lived eateries gave up the site. It followed on the heels of Patrizia’s of Bayside and Valentino’s on the Green.
For many years Caffe on the Green, a spot popular with elected officials and the general public, held court on the site, but it lost the concession in January 2009. It was operated by Joe Franco.
Reach reporter Mark Hallum by e-mail at mhall
