With a longtime love for New York City, Reyna Hospitality Group restaurateur Nicki Laborie is taking her flare for hospitality to the big apple.
Owner of lavish Mediterranean-inspired spots Bar Reyna in Yorkville and Reyna on King in Corktown, Laborie announced yesterday evening on both restaurant accounts as well as her own, that a new Reyna is officially in the works. The new location is expected to open in Spring 2022.
With initial plans to open a third location within Canada, the past year made Laborie reconsider her plans.
"In May 2021 I went to New York for the month and that was it - I knew I was meant to go back," says Laborie.
Living and working in New York City from 1996 to 2002, the restaurateur says the city has always been home for her.
Spending time over the summer scoping out the perfect location, Laborie says in September they finally managed to find the right space, located in Union Square.
"We've done some market research in the area and learned that they are dying for new restaurants," says Laborie. "Specifically a place like Reyna, which has a bit of an eclectic Euro vibe and a cuisine that fuses the Mediterranean coast."
Expect a gorgeous, regal space, that's even going to be accompanied by another new project for the team. A new dining space for Reyna will be front and centre on the main floor, with a speakeasy hidden down the stairs, called Louis XIV.
"Fun fact: Louis XIV was the most loved king in France and his first wife Spanish; therefore, the tie between the two names," says Laborie.
At Louis XIV, expect creative cocktails, high-end liquors and of course, a nice selection of wine. In regards to food at the restaurant, the core menu will feature the standout items you'd find here in Toronto, such as their lamb baklava, Lebanese tacos and their Reyna fries. Excitingly, most of the menu will be tailored to their new environment, meaning there's sure to be some elaborate additions.
Here in Toronto, Bar Reyna and Reyna on King are currently open Tuesday through Sunday for dine-in.
