jimmy's bronx cafe ownerjimmy's bronx cafe owner

"I can't believe it myself," Jimmy Rodriguez, the restaurant's owner, told The New York Times for its Saturday editions. By signing up, you agree to our User Agreement and Privacy Policy & Cookie Statement. I dont think theres a Salsa Musician alive today who doesnt know who Joe Torres is, said Jose Reyes. At Jimmy's Bronx Cafe, he got a hero's welcome. Ambassadors, rap stars, socialites, and regular folk rubbed shoulders and munched on spicy ribs and chicken. Migliucci owned Marios Restaurant on Arthur Avenue. ''There are so many diverse cultures in New York and they need to mix more or else life gets really boring,'' said Mr. Rodriguez, who is 6-foot-3, wears a conservative suit and tie, and behaves like a politician, campaigning among his constituency of diners. He says Torres was an otherwise healthy 73 year old and was not ready to go. The spacious banquet hall, restaurant and nightclub on Fordham Road has been leased by its owner, Jimmy Rodriguez, to new proprietors who will open a seafood restaurant and cocktail lounge on the site. He thrived on the hustle and bustle, the constant hand-shaking. He just seemed to run into financial trouble last year, said another Rodriguez acquaintance. The duo eventually set up a stand on a shady corner and added other Puerto Rican seafood dishes. $19.55. 111. "Deals can be cut here. Ranchman's Ponder Steakhouse, a 75-year landmark and one of America's most famous small-town cafes, will reopen in March, owner Dave Ross said last week. A new restaurant is ready to satisfy Bronxites appetites. Sign up with Facebook or Sign up with email 38 Tips and reviews . Six days later, he was dead. Cuban groups protested the event, but at the packed dinner Mr. Castro, under heavy security, was warmly greeted and drew laughs from a crowd of about 300. 8 min. He convinced her not to press charges, but word got around, with a radio station making a mocking song about it, the filing says. Memberships: Hispanic Federation of New York City; Bronx Chamber of Commerce; South Bronx Board of Trade. Ive been disrespected too much, said Elaine Rodriguez, whos divorcing the nightlife impresario after two decades of marriage. Colts owner Irsay brings his concert and collection to Las Vegas . And his restaurants, featuring fresh seafood like he once sold on the street, pull down over $10 million a year. Is on Gun Hill by the highway. By . He shut the doors New Year's Eve 2003. He sunk in another half million in renovations. He later told the New York Times, "I love being the host." Nightlife . Seafood and rice dish served with a cocktail at the waterfront restaurant. He was an amazing, amazing human being. The renowned Italian eatery has been there for five generations. The food drew directly from the menu at Marisco del Caribe. The longtime tavern owner and boxing jack of all trades passed away from coronavirus. ''It was a place that everybody identified as very much our own,'' said Representative Jose Serrano, a Bronx Democrat who over the years went from being a client to being a close friend of Mr. Rodriguez. The transcendental icon once performed in The Bronx at the former Jimmy's Bronx Cafe back on October 17th, 2002 as part of a 5 borough Heathen tour he did here in his home city of NYC and across the world. I promise dad, but I cant do this without you, said Regina. Pork with rice and peas served at Don Coqui Restaurant in City Island, Bronx. Jimmy's Grand Cafe was officially welcomed to the Castle Hill section of the Bronx in a prestigious ribbon-cutting ceremony held on Monday, December 7. . ''We couldn't do a party, because it was a sad day for everyone,'' he said. Signs hastily posted in the windows said: We are closed for renovation. Jimmy's Bronx Cafe, which drew everyone from Yankee stars to Bronx politicos to Fidel Castro, closed its doors for good on New Year's Eve after a decade of salsa-inflected evenings. Other well-known customers included Bill Cosby and Tito Puente, along with a host of other musicians, sports players and politicians. The complex included a nightclub that featured live Latin music, from local bands to living legends like Tito Puente. Younger brother Jimmy, 20, manages Don Coqui's White Plains spot. He also implemented a series of Bronx business mixers that regularly drew enthusiastic crowds of up to 500 small business leaders. According to his friends, the charismatic nightlife impresario who was last seen at Bill Clintons book signing last week with actress/model Michael Michele hasnt been heard from for several days. Although born in London, New York was Bowie's home on several . During Fidel Castro's 1995 visit to New York, Rodriguez hosted a dinner for the Cuban dictator. The New York Times, July 28, 2002; January 3, 2004; July 3, 2004. Over in Parkchester, flowers adorn the entrance at Joes Place. Garages Street Private. THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED Jimmy's Bronx Cafe Rating 12/20 Price $$$$$ 281 W. Fordham Rd. Ohana Restaurant Corp is the license holder registered here. But I have kids at home and I couldnt take the chance, she said. ''I can't believe it myself,'' Mr. Rodriguez, 41, said. Bronx, Bronx, NY. On any given evening, the crowd at Jimmy's Bronx Cafe may include such locals as Tito Puente, John Leguizamo, the actress Jennifer Lopez, Scan (Puffy) Combs, and Bronx Borough President Fernando Ferrer, as well as the occasional Manhattan scenester such as the "Post's" Richard Johnson and the party designer Robert Isabell. NY During its 10 years in business, the restaurant became something of a landmark in the Bronx. "I love being around people, but the day-to-day operations of working with 300 employeesI don't love the day-to-day." A Puerto Rican restaurant would not be complete without frozen cocktails. ''Want to come to a barbecue?'' Still, Joseph Migliucci and Jose Torres have something in common. Bill Cosby turned up occasionally, as did Tito Puente, David Bowie and a host of other sports stars, musicians, Bronx politicians and ordinary folks. He asked her to take over the restaurant and keep it in the family, just like he had been preparing her to do. Jimmys Bronx Caf, opened in 1993, immediately became a hot spot for celebrities and socialites, as well as a key gathering place for politicians like Clinton, Michael Bloomberg and Freddie Ferrer. His health began to decline. After being rejected for a renovation loan, Rodriguez decided to sell Jimmy's Bronx Caf. The NYPD's biggest manhunt in history for a terrifying serial killer dubbed the Son of Sam didn't assuage anyone's concerns that things were in horrific shape. Suddenly, a New York cop remembered a long-ago murder. At the time, the Puerto Rico-based banks refusal to do business with one of the pillars of the local Puerto Rican community drew the ire of Hispanic business and social leaders. (Enid Alvarez/New York Daily News), "He gives us his advice," Jaleene said. Jennifer Lopez posed for a photo with Torres at Jimmys, after enjoying his Sazon that he learned in his hometown of Guayama, Puerto Rico. Francisco farmed and Juana cared for Eliseo, his older brother, Jimmy (who owned Jimmy's Bronx Caf in the 1980s), and two sisters, Daly and Iris. Even before construction was finished, Rodriguez proved his celebrity pull when Woody Allen hosted an opening party for his film Sweet and Lowdown in the half-finished restaurant. Since opening his first restaurant-nightclub in 1992 in a converted car dealership near Yankee Stadium, Mr. Rodriguez has set his sights on conquering ''downtown,'' which to him means anything below 96th Street -- ''the division between rich and poor,'' he said. Jaleene Rodriguez with Jimmy Rodriguez at new Puerto Rican restaurant Don Coqui in City Island. Download it here. His four restaurants, Jimmys Bronx Cafe, Jimmys City Island, Jimmys Uptown in Harlem and Jimmys Downtown are now either closed or under new management. He kept writing me notes of things he remembered and wanted to tell me, said his daughter. ''It's a sad day.''. "The inner city is underdeveloped, and whoever gets there first is gonna cash in," Rodriguez told W. Rodriguez's piece of the action was a 17,000 square-foot restaurant he bought for $900,000. Over the next five years, Jimmy's Bronx Caf continued to attract celebrities and money. Specialties: Known for its fun, laid-back vibe and fantastic food, Jimmy's Grand Cafe is a favorite among locals in the Bronx, NY. The building has one floor. Derek Jeter celebrated two birthdays there. Perfect.''. It was 8 p.m. on a recent Friday and the woman and her friends were chatting up Jimmy Rodriguez, the owner of Jimmy's Bronx Cafe, Jimmy's Uptown in Harlem and now Jimmy's. For the last five years, in fact, the kitchen at Jimmy's has catered postgame clubhouse meals for the Yankees and opposing teams, a job that Mr. Rodriguez said would probably be taken over by Jimmy's Uptown. Jimmy's Bronx Cafe. $15.95 + Steak and Eggs Char-grilled sirloin steak served with 2 fresh farm eggs. Picture by BowieNetter Stonefox. I enjoy the food every time I eat there. Topped with mozzarella cheese and meat sauce. Jaleene Rodriguez with dad Jimmy Rodriguez, who once owned the famous Jimmy's Bronx Cafe. NEW YORK (AP) _ Jimmy's Bronx Cafe, a restaurant and nightspot famous for its salsa music and celebrity customers, has closed after 10 years in business. Jimmy's Grand Lasagna. (Enid Alvarez/New York Daily News). Switch to pickup Popular Items Beverages Healthy Breakfast Classics Egg Dishes Jumbo 3 Egg Omelets ''I haven't been spending enough time here lately,'' he conceded. Robert M. Smith, Youtube Everything is delicious. Or had something gone disastrously wrong? If you like finger food while watching a game, try the wings. Lo, Miuccia Prada and Derek Jeter. Rodriguez's empire now had nearly 300 employees and raked in sales of $10 million per year. I received it on bread, when I asked the cashier about it she was extremely rude about it. Known for its fun, laid-back vibe and fantastic food, Jimmy's Grand Cafe is a favorite among locals in the Bronx, NY. In April 2001, during an album release party for Angie Martinez at Jimmy's Bronx Cafe, Cuban Link got in an altercation and had his face slashed when he was trying to break up a fight between Fat Joe and rapper Sunkiss. He sponsored over 100 Little League teams and supported Bronx-based charities from food shelters to senior citizen housing. Jimmy John's. . At about the same time, Rodriguez was turned down by Banco Popular to refinance a 10-year-old debt to renovate his flagship, Jimmys Bronx Caf. Proud papa Jimmy said he's happy his kids are continuing the family tradition in borough where it all began. Fidel Castro Ate Here, but Now It's a Piece of Bronx History, https://www.nytimes.com/2004/01/03/nyregion/fidel-castro-ate-here-but-now-it-s-a-piece-of-bronx-history.html. Rodriguez has decided to lease the space to Felix Cabrera, who plans to open a seafood eatery there, the Times said. 8 min. Hours of operation for the eatery are Monday through Friday 7 a.m. until 1 a.m., Saturday 6 a.m. to 2 a.m. and Sunday 6 a.m. to 1 a.m. Keep up with all the latest from your borough. "My favorite restaurant in the Bronx is Don Coqui," Fat Joe said. 281 W Fordham Rd. In the early 1980s, Baratta was promoted to capo of the "Harlem Crew", controlling the Pleasant Avenue narcotics ring in East Harlem . As he walked outside, he noticed that the pet bar (he keeps water and doggy treats there) was almost dry. We learned from him.". As The New York Post recalls, the South Bronx was eventually engulfed in flames. The song included the line, If you want to try a new dish, go to Jimmys Bronx Cafe and order Jimmys wife on the grill., Kimmel, who has asked Justice Joan Lobis to hold Rodriguez in contempt for his refusal to turn over the financial documents, said his client just wants her husband to do right by her., He added, If he can produce the documents, well see if we can work this out.. Addresses: Officec/o Jimmy's Downtown, 400 E. 57th St., New York, NY, 10022. Restaurants (1) (718) 329-2000. ''Hey, Jimmy! "Every time I come to New York, as soon as I land, that car goes on auto pilot, straight to Don Coqui. By this time Rodriguez had dropped out of high school to help run the business full-time. Recent guests at one party included Marion Javits, the widow of Senator Jacob K. Javits; the rappers Ja Rule and Fat Joe; Mary Morgan-Moss, the representative of Panama to the United Nations; and dozens of strangers he plucked from the tables and bar stools of his various restaurants. Served with soup or salad. The new two-story restaurant offers customers a lounge-type setting complete with an expansive bar and delicious meals to satisfy their taste buds. Now 2 hours. His uncle, Ellie Rodriguez, was a player's agent for Major League Baseball. A friend of Rodriguez's agreed to lend him the money and, in 1993, Jimmy's Bronx Caf opened. Add 1 tablespoon butter. The New Yorker may earn a portion of sales from products that are purchased through our site as part of our Affiliate Partnerships with retailers. to destination. "We've always been very involved in his projects. Still, the Bronx Cafe remained his flagship, mentioned in popular songs -- most famously in Angie Martinez's ''Live at Jimmy's,'' featuring the rapper Big Pun. That means if you're in the zone or in-store, you can always count on a Freaky Fresh sandwich made Freaky Fast . ''I've heard the stories,'' the woman teased from her table in the sleek red-and-white dining room of Jimmy's Downtown. As our Amy Yensi writes, now their loved ones are hoping to keep their recipes and legacies alive. (l-r) Tommy Mitsios, Councilman Vacca, Assemblymen Crespo and Sepulveda, cafe owner Jimmy Mitsios, Senator Diaz and Assemblyman Benedetto cut the ribbon to officially welcome Jimmys Grand Cafe to Castle Hill. 8. Bronx, NY 10468. He said he had not yet decided which of the remaining three to close. Plan an event now in our upstairs Party Room. The employees patted him on the back. Jimmy's Bronx Cafe, which opened in 1993, hosted Fidel Castro while he was visiting New York in 1995 and held two birthday celebrations for Yankee shortstop Derek Jeter. Fortunately Mother Nature stepped in. As usual, there has been a pretty good reporting of most of these New York shows on the MBs, but I've not managed to find anything online for these last . ''OH, Jimmy, can I come to your next penthouse party?''. Closing the restaurant also fit Mr. Rodriguez's plans to expand the Jimmy's brand to London and other European cities, he said. Rodriguez soon became famous city-wide for barbecues thrown on the terrace of the sleek penthouse he had rented in upscale Sutton Place. Slick cars whoosh past, ferrying baseball stars to nearby Yankee stadium, or across the river to Manhattan penthouses. "The response from our guests has been exciting to see," said Rodriguez, whose own restaurant shuttered in 2009. We deliver within 5 minutes of our stores and not farther to maximize freshness. Although the number of beds must be reduced from 16 to 10, the funding may allow . He was a legacy there. The City Island opening marks the latest in a string of Bronx restaurants the Rodriguez clan has executed since the mid 1980s, when the siblings' grandfather, Jimmy Rodriguez Sr., opened Mariscos Del Caribe. Pork with rice and peas served at Don Coqui Restaurant in City Island, Bronx. However, without Pun's mediation, contract disputes between Fat Joe and Cuban Link and leaks prevented the release of 24K. They made their mark on the boroughs food scene, before losing their battles against COIVD-19, more commonly referred to as the new coronavirus. Favorite menu items range from the exotic Dominican breakfast to crispy empanadas. By 10 p.m., he was ready to continue his rounds in Harlem. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Cond Nast. Seafood and rice dish served with a cocktail at the waterfront restaurant. Get the best experience and stay connected to your community with our Spectrum News app. Shortcut to Puerto Rico 1315 Commerce Ave. Bronx NY 10461 Great food and great atmosphere! Jimmy is very friendly and always makes me feel welcomed. Thanks for contacting us. Anyone can read what you share. Rodriguez was named one of Crain's New York Business's top minority business leaders on a list that included musician Wynton Marsalis, American Express CEO Ken Chenault, and lawyer Johnnie Cochran. Filter. 28 Feb 2023 19:07:15 An outdoor deck sat another 400 guests. As a subscriber, you have 10 gift articles to give each month. Chicken Teriyaki. Desperate, he even considered approaching a local loan shark. Neither Rodriguez nor partner Brenda Hildenbrand returned phone calls yesterday. Jimmy's City Island - American Restaurant - City Island - Bronx 10464 500 City Island Ave Bronx, NY 10464-1220 Home Bronx Restaurants City Island American Jimmy's City Island 718-885-2222 Neighborhoods: City Island Cuisine: American, Seafood, Cafe SMS Email Print Directions Website More Info Info Reviews Map Diner Survey Results 12 responses Set up a stand on a shady corner and added other Puerto Rican dishes... York Times, `` he gives us his advice, '' Mr. Rodriguez, 41, said Torres have in... Another Rodriguez acquaintance high school to help run the business full-time Plains spot me notes things. In his projects try the wings know who Joe Torres is, Elaine. Been very involved in his projects the money and, in 1993, Jimmy 's Bronx Caf like. And supported Bronx-based charities from food shelters to senior citizen housing own restaurant shuttered in 2009 the constant hand-shaking his! Once owned the famous Jimmy 's Bronx Caf opened the response from our has... 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