New Balducci

A new Balducci’s concept, Gourmet Café to Go, will be opening in the Hearst Tower, The Post has learned.

The café will be located in 2,500 square feet at the long dark northwest corner of Eighth Avenue and West 56th Street in the landmarked building, sources said.

The 15-year deal, with an asking rent of $200 a square foot, was negotiated for Balducci’s by Jason Pruger and Ross Kaplan of Newmark Knight Frank. The Hearst Corp. was represented by a CB Richard Ellis team of Richard Hodos, David LaPierre, Stephen Sjurset and Sean Moran.

The deal for the Midtown eatery will mark the relaunch of the Balducci’s brand in New York, the same sources noted. The Café will also sell gourmet products from the Hearst Corp.’s California ranch brand that include beef, sauces and olive oils.

WHAT IT’S ALL ABOUT
Now that’s a landmark.

Balducci’s café will focus on fresh gourmet food and custom-made salads and breads from local bakeries.

The food retailer was founded in 1916, and its principal shareholders are now funds managed by Angelo, Gordon & Co.

Earlier this year, as we first revealed, Hearst signed its first headquarters tower lease with Sur La Table.

Lois@BetweenTheBricks.com