1/4/2009

Sari N. Kent

New York's heralded Rainbow Room is closing the doors of its restaurant, the Rainbow Grill, in response to the failing national economy.

The iconic New York hotspot known as the Rainbow Room is being forced to close the doors of its restaurant, the Rainbow Grill, due to the nation's economic troubles.  
  
According to the Associated Press, "With business slowing and an ongoing lease dispute, the venue's Italian-themed Rainbow Grill restaurant plans to shutter as of Jan. 12, a spokesman said Saturday. Its bar, banquet space and the weekend dinner-dancing sessions that reflect its glamorous history will continue on the 65th floor."  
  
It is not clear how long the famous venue will be closed. About 30 to 40 of the Rainbow Room's employees will lose their jobs due to the closing.  
  
"It's a very difficult decision to make, given the sort of status of the Rainbow Room as one of these quote-unquote New York City icons," said Ben Branham, a spokesman for the operators, the Cipriani restaurant empire. "The move is made, definitely, as one of protecting the venue."  
  
Generations of celebrities have partied and performed there. Celebrities displaying unorthodox behavior have also occurred there such as Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards donning a tie to see a Marianne Faithfull show there.  
  
The renowned eatery is no stranger to making changes. Following the Sept. 11 attacks, the Rainbow Room altered its menu to include lighter fare.  
  
The Rainbow Room, perched on the 65th floor of Rockefeller Center, opened its doors on Oct. 3, 1934.  
  
According to MSNBC's Web site, "Through the years it has been a storied nightclub, dining destination and an icon of New York style and sophistication."