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Mazar and Corcos Fornino Deal Falls Through, Landord "Wants McDonald's"
Friday, April 19, 2025 at 9:29PM
It looks like Debi Mazar and Gabriele Corcos won't be taking over the Fornino Space after all.
Corcos sent me a Facebook message on Friday, and had this to say:
"Your leads were correct, I have been in negotiation for il Fornino for at least three months. Agreed on lease and all, and today the owner of the space changed her mind. She wants to go chain, more $, more security. I get it, but I am kind of bummed, I really wanted to be in the neighborhood."
Mazar also confirmed the rumor via Twitter. "The rumor was true," She tweeted. "Was abt to take over Il Fornino space in Park Slope. Landlord tripled rent and wants McDonalds or Olive Garden:( sorry PS."
This news isn't only disappointing, it's a bit frightening. It now seems almost certain that a chain will take over the space, and who knows which one will snatch it up first. It's most likely too large for a McDonalds or Starbucks, but does seem just about perfect for an Olive Garden, or Beef O'Brady's. Whether a big chain restaurant like that will do well in the space remains to be unseen, but it appears as if they'll be giving it a shot.
The couple isn't finished with the neighborhood, yet, though; they're still on the lookout for a location nearby.
Rumors in Food, Storefronts
Reader Comments (42)
They can always take over the old PS1 space once THE CRAB SPOT inevitably goes away.
Well, considering it's the same person who owns the old Moutarde space and the TD Bank, not a shock. She also owns Cycle Bar, so...look out, Cycle Bar I guess.
At the very least, it will not be a McDonalds. There is already a McDonald's on 4th Avenue either on that block or within one or two blocks in either direction. I believe that McDonald's franchising regulations restrict geographic competition, and the Fornino spot is just too close. While this would get more foot traffic than the 4th avenue location, that spot has parking and a drive-through.
Maybe the first east coast expansion of In and Out Burger?
Hopefully that's just sour grapes after a long negotiation fell through. A McDonalds or Olive Garden in that spot would be truly absurd.
McDonalds franchises don't sign leases. They own the property they operate on as far as I know.
In any case, I can't imagine franchises like this thriving in the area.
This is sad, but if it's a chain, I vote for a combo Taco Bell-Popeyes!
It's Pretzel Time! Preferably, with Cinnabon integration.
If were stuck with a chain, I could see a Chilis or Cheesecake Factory doing well.
DOS TOROS
Hooters or bust!
Boycott!
Who's the landlord here?
I'm at the Pizza Hut,
I'm at the Taco Bell,
I'm at the combination Pizza Hut and Taco Bell.
why do they both refer to the place as "il Fornino".
the name of the restaurant was just Fornino
I can't believe it...but I'm actually hoping for a Beef O'Brady's now over the alternative. My joke has become a reality. Sad day.
Also, nice work on this one Dan!
"The landlord tripled the rent and wants Mcdonalds"
Wah wah wah....they have never operated a restaurant, never had a lease, have never done ANYTHING and they are already attacking the LL.
Amazing! The LL probably is just sick of lost rent on a prime location and woke up to the reality that renting to inexperienced self-important idiots was a bad business move (and he/she is correct).
I doubt that a chain restaurant would do well in that space. National restaurant appear to be as popular as real estate developers in Park Slope. The five guys burger joint on Flatbush near the Seventh Avenue subway stop didn't last a year and the Subway sandwich shop on Seventh between Berkeley and Union appears to be struggling.
Too small for Cheesecake Factory, although that certainly crossed my mind as one of the only megachains I'd shit myself over.
I'm SHOCKED that hasn't been announced for the arena surroundings, and that we got Tony Roma's instead.
Cheesecake would do gangbusters with both the arena crowd and locals. They do takeout very well, and that will go over very well with neighborhood parents who can't exactly get out every night for dinner. Lettuce wraps FTW.
I'll believe the chain talk for that space when I see it.
Old Parksloper:
yes, the five guys closed and a starbucks is opening. not the best example.
this spot is way too huge for a mcdonalds, so everyone needs to relax. This space seemed way too large for an inexperienced restauranteur and that's okay there are other spots available for lease. There are 2 spots on 7th Avenue between Union and Berkeley which would be far better suited for a small new restaurant. You don't want to open and have to worry about filling a place like Fornino every night unless you're sure it's going to work.
That being said, That landlord is a problem and most people are not happy about the current influx of national chains. People are clamoring for a few of the local chains like Dos Toros, Chipotle, Keihls and other things I hear constantly. Calexio is opening a block away so the first two would be a bad idea right there.
Anyway, I hope they find another spot in PS, and hopefully the landlord will be sensitive to the neighborhood like the Pintchik guys are about who and what they rent their numerous spaces too. Those guys are a class act, this woman (from what I've heard) is a real pill.
didn't mean to include chipotle in the local chain category just know that i hear a lot of people say they would like one nearby.
Anthony loved the street, the neighborhood.. I believe his daughter is the landlord. I can't believe he'd be happy about the changes she's looking to make.
@ Park_Slop - You beat me to it...! After my own heart!!
Okay, wait... I'm at the Pizza Hut! (No, you ain't!)
I'm at the Taco Bell! (No, I'm over here!)
I'm at the combination Pizza Hut and Taco Bell! Where you at?
I don't see you!
I'm at the Pizza Hut!
I'm at the Taco Bell!
I don't see you!
I'm at the combination Pizza Hut and Taco Bell!
Right here at the Pizza Hut on Jamaica Avenue!
Jamaica Avenue! Jamaica Avenue!
The combination Pizza Hut and Taco Bell on Jamaica Avenue!
Jamaica Avenue! That's where I'm at! Where you at?
Yo, that's where I'm at? Where you at?
I don't see you here, dawg!
I'm at the Pizza Hut!
I'm at the Taco Bell!
I'm at the combination Pizza Hut and Taco Bell!
DENNY'S NOOOWWW!!!
YOu cant fault the landlord solely for wanting a reliable tenant, they did just go through all the crap with Fornino (for other things certainly I do hear shes a real pill). Even Pintchik wont rent to anyone, hes very selective himself. There are only a handful of restaurant spaces of this size in all of PS. They are hard to fill consistently night after night. Chain or not, Itll need a proven tenant not just someone with a name and a dream even if they are genuine.