Empire Building

John McDonald Eyeing Centovino Space

Photo: Patrick McMullan

John McDonald appears to be headed for Mercer Street domination with a third spot on that Soho block. The restaurateur, who opened the MercBar back in 1993 and owns Lure Fishbar down the street, was spotted leaving the old Centovino space on Houston and Mercer yesterday with plans and a coterie.

The SLA licensing committee of Community Board 2 will meet on Tuesday, and its agenda includes consideration of a liquor application for an “LLC to be formed, d/b/a TBD, 25 W. Houston St. NYC 10012” — Centovino’s former address. The eatery’s concept is upscale burger and wine under the command of Lure chef Josh Capon, industry sources tell Grub Street. (Recall that Capon’s Lure Burger won the People’s Choice Award at last year’s New York Burger Bash.) McDonald declined to comment.

John McDonald Eyeing Centovino Space