The past two years have not been easy on restaurant owners. With so many closures happening in response to the pandemic, it can be easy to overlook the consequences of the pandemic beyond the food industry. In light of this, many owners are stepping up and taking responsibility, using their success to uplift the communities that have been critical in supporting restaurants during these trying times. In fact, some of these owners are planning a brand new bar on One West Third Street for exactly that reason.
The as-yet-unnamed bar is a brand new bar and restaurant concept from Mackenzie Gleason and Max Stampa-Brown. As part of the Den Hospitality team, Max and Mackenzie have been working in the industry for years and are ready to apply their expertise to a higher cause. A cocktail expert and connoisseur of all fine liquors, Max Stampa-Brown currently serves as Beverage Director and Partner at The Garret Bars in the East and West Villages, as well as Bandits NYC, Borrachito Taqueria, and Cocteleria Bar. Mackenzie meanwhile serves as the Director of Operations at Bandits and both Garrets, and together the two are well-equipped to operate a truly phenomenal new bar.
Described as a “community-driven restaurant,” Max and Mackenzie’s new bar will focus on diversity and inclusion “through the arts, food, culture, drink, and lifestyle”. Featuring a menu of international plates that highlight different cuisines across the globe, the décor will pay tribute to the spirit of the Olympics and will highlight barrier-breaking athletes like Tommie Smith and John Carlos, celebrating the iconic moments of Olympic history that have defined American culture.
Highlighting the importance of diversity at every level, the new bar and restaurant is intended to be a celebration of global connection that will help foster a sense of community in the neighborhood. Mirroring the impact that athletics have on our society, the new space will be “strongly rooted in supporting community events and philanthropic endeavors that utilize athletics as a guiding principal to teach foundational life skills and empower the youth.” Max and Mackenzie have even selected three distinct charities that they intend to support with their new restaurant – The Seed Project, Dream Play Learn Grow, and The Boys and Girls Club of Harlem.
Moving into the space at One West Third Street, the new project will be replacing West Third Common, a popular restaurant and event space that closed down in 2019. With over 1,700 square feet of space, the new location will have plenty of room to host the philanthropic events that Max and Mackenzie have been planning. While no word has been given as to the timeline of the new restaurant, you can follow Max and Mackenzie on Instagram for further details as the project develops.
