Figaro Bistro Expands to Broadway, Opening Mid- 2012

There's still more work to be done on Broadway. Clifton's Cafeteria is in remodel mode, UMAMIcatessen slowly progresses, Two Boots Pizza should open soon, and now comes word that Figaro Bistro is slated to debut mid-2012 in the historic Schaber Cafeteria home that has been shuttered for years.

The backstory on this space is that Schaber Cafeteria was designed by Charles F. Plummer in 1928 and was one of Broadway’s most famous and popular cafeterias in the 1920s and 1930s. The building was set on fire and severely damaged during the 1992 Los Angeles riots.

[Uncovering past splendor.]

Now, the Mgaieth family, who own Figaro Bistro on Vermont Avenue in Los Feliz, are branching out with Figaro Broadway. This 9,000 square foot ground-floor space will house a full-service restaurant, on-site bakery, and bakery retail with patio dining. At some point in the future, a second phase of the project would add an 8,600-square foot upper dining leving with a bar and lounge.

Like many new projects that grow in old structures, interior designer Bertrand Genoist of Black Door Development wants to celebrate the building's past life by restoring and respecting its remaining historical embellishments. Overall, the aesthetic will embody the classic casual French elegance of the 1930s.

As one would expect from a bistro, freshly baked French pastries, omelets, and other egg dishes will be served for breakfast, meanwhile sandwiches, quiches, paninis, salads, steaks, and some seafood preparations hit the menu for lunch. During dinner hours look for French mainstays and, of course, French onion soup, French cheeses, and a wide assortment of vin.

As for hours of operation, Figueroa will be open late. Once the restaurant opens next year, service will likely run until at least 11PM though could expand to 24-hour dining later on. At the moment final design approvals are still pending, and once green-lit construction will commence. [EaterWire]