Video: Pioneering Union Square Café Is Closing! Ex-Chef Michael Romano Looks Back

The New York food world is reeling this morning from the news that Union Square Café, Danny Meyer's pioneering and perennially popular Manhattan restaurant, will close at the end of 2015 after nearly three decades in business. The New York Times has the scoop. The reason: (what else?) an astronomical rent increase. When it first opened in 1985, the annual rent was close to $48,000, the Times reports; Meyer's landlord is now asking for a whopping $650,000 annually.

For posterity's sake, here's a video of former chef and partner Michael Romano talking about the original concept for the place and its signature filet mignon of tuna and as a parting gift, their famous recipe for fried chicken.

Read more about New York restaurants on Food Republic:

• New York's Long-Standing El Quijote Isn't Going Anywhere, Is It?
• Andrew Carmellini's Restaurant Staff On Where They Drink Off-Shift In NYC
• Ivan Ramen Is Finally Open In NYC. The Secret Is Not Quite Out.