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Eataly is on an expansion tear in New York: Following the opening of its Soho location in December 2023 and the update of the flagship Flatiron store in May, the Italian marketplace is opening in Hudson Yards next spring, according to a spokesperson. No word yet on whether it’s bringing a raft of restaurants to Hudson Yards. In addition to its Italian market staples, Eataly’s Flatiron and Downtown locations feature restaurants as well, with the latter offering a patio, a rooftop beer bar, a seafood spot, an aperitivo bar, a more casual pizza and pasta restaurant, and full-service Bar Milano. There are also coffee and gelato counters, among others. Downtown, there are three restaurants — a wine bar, a pizza and pasta place, and an aperitivo bar, while there’s a single restaurant in the smaller Soho location. Eataly currently has 12 North American locations and over 50 stores worldwide. — Melissa McCart, editor
Wizard Hat pizza finds a permanent home
Wizard Hat, once a “secretive,” pick-up-only pizzeria, has found a permanent home at 455 Rogers Avenue, at Lincoln Road. Owner Josiah Bartlett’s pies are now the defacto food option at Prospect Lefferts Gardens bar Anything. It’s one of several change-ups Anything has gone through: The bar’s owners previously had an attached restaurant called Names which closed at the start of the year. Bartlett’s pizzas will help streamline the two neighboring spaces, available to order on either side for sit-down. It’s a return to the address for Bartlett, who got his start hosting a pop-up version of his pizzeria in their basement kitchen three years ago.
Zooba is already flipping back to fast-casual
Cairo's fast-casual chain Zooba opened its doors in New York back in 2019, with an outpost in Nolita. In June, the company, now with the backing of actor and comedian Ramy Youssef, announced it would be flipping to full-service with wine and beer. But just one month in, Zooba is recanting its sit-down dinner aspirations after listening to customer feedback. It will remain as it began, as a casual takeout spot.
A Sloppy Joe truck docks in the East Village
Are we due for a Sloppy Joe revival? A food truck called Slopey Joe, located at 14th Street and Avenue A, seems to think so. EV Grieve reports that they serve a version of the lunchtime favorite, in addition to burgers and shakes.