In June, Eater reported that Ariel Arce and Max Katzenberg had taken over what had been the Leopard at des Artistes space at 1 West 67th Street. Now comes the bigger reveal: They’re resurrecting Café des Artistes itself — and asking New Yorkers to help shape its return.
Café des Artistes will reopen in early 2027 under AirMax Hospitality, the group behind Tokyo Record Bar, Roscioli NYC, Pearl Box, Leonessa, and Big Pearl Caviar. The Hotel des Artistes board selected the group after a search for a new operator, according to the team.
An ad set to run in the New York Times on Sunday, September 27, invites former diners, staff, neighbors, and anyone else with a connection to Café des Artistes to send in memories, including stories, photos, and other mementos. (Submissions can also be sent to [email protected].) Arce and Katzenberg’s AirMax Hospitality says it will draw on those responses as the restaurant takes shape for its new era.
For Arce, the revival is personal. She grew up in Hell’s Kitchen and celebrated her graduation from LaGuardia High School at Café des Artistes. Katzenberg was born a few blocks away; the two became business partners in 2023…