‘Compass’ Proceeding with Restaurant in Doomed Mission Chinese Space on Orchard Street
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Compass Restaurant and Bar is proceeding into the minefield otherwise known as 154 Rivington Street. The teaser signage recently placed in the windows all but confirms to the public the imminent arrival.
As previously reported, principal Beka Peradze (ODA House) plans to install a Georgian-style (as in, the country) restaurant here, occupying both the former Mission Chinese Food space and the adjacent David Owen’s Vintage boutique (currently moving to Rivington).
Compass briefly appeared before Community Board 3 in August, but withdrew the application for lack of preparation and community outreach. That ordeal was totally embarrassing – Peraze’s counsel repeated ad nauseum that 154 Orchard would be a “bona-fide Georgian restaurant.” That the applicant is “trying his hardest.” A month later, however, he met CB3 prerequisites to qualify for the fast-track to beer-wine approval. Given the trends in Hell Square, expect an upgrade attempt within the year.
We’d be remiss if we didn’t reiterate that the south basement store of 154 Orchard is front-and-center in a lawsuit between Danny Bowien and landlord Abraham Noy. Legal proceedings are still ongoing. Of course, there are also legit safety concerns with the backyard, including illegal enclosure (fire hazard) and the lack of Certificate of Occupancy.
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