After post-pandemic financial struggles, and fundraisers that brought the West Bank Cafe back from the brink of closing, producers Tom and Michael D’Angora (who initiated those fundraisers), have purchased the West Bank Cafe from owner Steve Olsen who opened the restaurant (and its downstairs performance space, The Laurie Beechman Theater) in 1978. Olsen, who’s now 70 years of age, realized the change of hands was the best outcome for the beloved space, which has now closed as of December 15. Reopening is projected for January 2025 after some slight renovation.
The D’Angora’s first fund raiser, via GoFundMe was in 2020 after a lack of a COVID bailout threatened a cosure; in June 2024, a second GoFundMe raised enough to stave off an August closing. The D’Angora’s also worked with Olsen to create a sustainable business plan with Related Companies, owner and operator of Manhattan Plaza where The West Bank Cafe is located.
The renovations will encompass a refresh of the upstairs restaurant, improvement of the behind-the-scenes infrastructure and revitalization of the Laurie Beechman Theatre with additions that will help revitalize the space to better host theatrical workshops and evening shows.
