For two years, Talad Wat ran at 714 Ninth Avenue serving Thai food. After over a year since its doors shut, it is set to be replaced by an entirely new concept and owner: Revival Survival owned by David DeParolesa.
According to its website, Revival Survival’s goal will be to “create the next great gay space in Hell’s Kitchen.”
DeParolesa hopes Revival Survival will bring a former empty restaurant back to life. In a meeting with the Business & Permits Committee of Manhattan Community Board 4, DeParolesa shared his vision for Revival Surivival’s opening and what it can offer.
“I want to give an opportunity for talent that has not had an opportunity to perform to have that opportunity,” he told the board. “I want to create a livelihood around a block that has otherwise gone dark.”
DeParolesa added that a new, busy venue will make Revival Survival’s neighborhood feel safer for the community, as a busy, lit-up venue will create a more inviting atmosphere than a dark, empty one. DeParolesa will also be implementing an “elevated food and drink menu” to further highlight Revival’s inviting atmosphere.
Revival Survival will not be the first contribution towards the LGBTQ community for DeParolesa. From 2017-2019, DeParolesa was an advisory committee member for “Gays with Kids,” a media company geared towards LGBTQ fathers that focuses on the journey to fatherhood.
DeParolesa is also hoping for community input for Revival Survival, as visitors of the establishment’s website are invited to take a five-question survey about what they hope to see and not see once the bar opens.
As of now, no opening date has been announced by Revival Survival. What Now New York tried to reach DeParolesa, but he was unavailable by phone.
