Rumors

Animal Denies Nieporent Partnership

Jon Shook
Jon Shook Photo: Hadley Tomicki

Animal was closed last night for a “world’s strongest beer” event (Sam Adams’ Utopia, 27 percent alcohol). Before the suds scrambled anyone’s thoughts, chef Jon Shook denied Eater’s rumor that he and partner Vinny Dotolo would open a New York restaurant with Drew Nieporent. Shook says it has no basis in reality. “We’d of course love to work with someone as respected as Drew Nieporent, but there are no plans set to work with anyone right now. We have had a lot of great people interested in doing stuff with us, and it’s an honor, but right now we’re focused on making this as strong as we can.”

Shook said that he’s happy Animal has garnered so much attention, helping put the Two Dudes Catering show behind them, which he referred to as “stupid.” As for rumors about Animal, Shook himself was as curious as the rest of us. “When I saw the news that we were opening a deli in New York, I wondered if I was looking at a joke website or something.”

Animal Denies Nieporent Partnership