Published on: November 28, 2024, 07:10h. 

Last updated on: November 28, 2024, 07:20h.

Billionaire Tilman Fertitta recently acquired Keens Steakhouse in New York City for a record-breaking $30 million, marking the most substantial steak purchase in history.

“This is a New York gem,” Fertitta told Bloomberg, ensuring that Keens will maintain its status as one of the premier dining experiences in New York City.

While Fertitta already owns Landry’s, a renowned restaurant brand featuring establishments like Morton’s the Steakhouse, Del Frisco’s, and Mastro’s, he personally acquired Keens, separate from the Landry’s portfolio.

Keens Highlights

Situated in Midtown Manhattan near Herald Square, Keens occupies a historic building that was originally home to a London-based theater group. The steakhouse has been a staple since Albert Keen purchased the 16,000 square-foot property in 1885.

Known for its famous 26-ounce mutton chops, Keens now sources its meat from lamb rather than mutton. The restaurant counted Anthony Bourdain as a regular, and its Pipe Club once included members like Theodore Roosevelt and Babe Ruth.

Keens also gained recognition as the backdrop for a luxurious dinner scene featuring Leonardo DiCaprio’s character in the film “Wolf of Wall Street” released in 2013.

In 1978, George Schwarz, a radiation oncologist, acquired and revamped Keens. The property has been under his estate’s ownership since his passing in 2016.

Fertitta, valued at over $10 billion, also possesses the NBA’s Houston Rockets and a chain of Golden Nugget casinos under Landry’s. Additionally, he recently became the principal shareholder in Wynn Resorts and is currently constructing a 43-story, 2,420-room casino resort on the Las Vegas Strip.

“I believe George would be pleased knowing that our new owner, Tilman Fertitta, is dedicated to preserving the heritage of our historic establishment,” expressed Keens GM Bonnie Jenkins to Bloomberg.