Smith and Wollensky
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Smith and Wollensky is a limited chain of high-end American steakhouses, with locations in New York, Philadelphia, Houston, Dallas, Columbus, Las Vegas, Miami, Chicago, Boston, and Washington D.C. There is also a New Orleans location, although it has been closed indefinitely since Hurricane Katrina; the Dallas location closed December 31, 2006. The franchise was founded by Allen Stillman, who also founded T.G.I. Friday's.
All Smith and Wollensky locations are owned by the Smith and Wollensky Restaurant Group, which began with the opening of their first steakhouse in New York in 1977. They have since opened ten other Smith and Wollensky steakhouses, and also operate five restaurants in New York City: Maloney & Porcelli, The Post House, The Manhattan Ocean Club, Cité, and Park Avenue Cafe.
On the Smith and Wollensky website, each location has their own individual page, because although they are united under the Smith and Wollensky banner, they operate using slightly varied menus, different hours, and the franchise doesn't employ a design of what all their restaurants should look like. However, the franchises are united under one feature: their green and white awning. Another characteristic shared by all steakhouses is that they all feature several banquet rooms.
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[edit] Locations
[edit] New York
Located in midtown Manhattan, the first S&W steakhouse occupies a stand-alone building whose wooden exterior bears the trademark green and white colors. Also included is Wollensky's Grill, a bar room within the restaurant that has a more bar-type atmosphere and food, and is open later than the dining room. It and its kitchen were used for scenes in the 2006 film The Devil Wears Prada.
Smith & Wollensky's New York is not a part of Smith & Wollensky Restaurant Group (SWRG) as stated on the main page. It is the only Smith and Wollensky that is operated under a partnership agreement and is not included on fiscal year financial statements.
[edit] Chicago
Bearing the same green and white painted exterior the New York location has, this steakhouse overlooks the Chicago River and the Loop. It played a role in the revival of Chicago's River North area, and is neighbored by Marina City and the House of Blues. This location was featured in The Break-Up.
[edit] Miami
In a building on the waterfront, the S&W's Miami is technically located in Miami Beach, and offers views of the Miami skyline and boats passing by the beach. It takes advantage of its waterfront location, with an outdoor patio for diners to enjoy the outdoors.
[edit] Washington D.C.
Located in the heart of downtown D.C.
[edit] Las Vegas
Occupies its own building across from the Monte Carlo Resort and Casino, is three floors and has established itself as a successful freestanding steakhouse in a city where most restaurants are within resorts.
[edit] Philadelphia
This edition of S&W is two stories, and is the chief restaurant of Philadelphia's Rittenhouse Hotel.
[edit] Columbus
In the Easton Town Center "lifestyle community", and opened in 2002. Like the New York and Chicago locations, it features a painted green and white exterior and an "old world" decor within.
[edit] Dallas
The Dallas location is now closed. The building is being taken over by Fogo de Chão.
[edit] Houston
S&W Houston, located in Highland Village, is similar to the Columbus location in that it was built as part of a "lifestyle community", and also features the painted exteriors and old-style interior decor.
[edit] Boston
S&W Boston occupies a castle built in 1891 originally intended as a military building, and is the only S&W location on the National Register of Historic Places. It is noted for its spacious atmosphere.
