MIDTOWN, Manhattan (WABC) — The kitchen at Barbetta was simmering on Friday night. Founded in 1906, it is the oldest Italian restaurant in the Theatre District.
Some would argue that its allure is the space – from its antique cash register to its chandelier purchased from a royal Italian family, it is a restaurant tucked inside a museum. Friday was its final curtain call.
“This is like my second home. I’m so emotional,” said Private Events Manager Susana Gardijan.
Bartender Tito Garay started working at Barbetta in 1994.
“I was a bartender the last ten years, but I also worked as a busy boy, waiter, captain in the dining room – 32 years in this place,” Garay said.
“I’m matre d’ since 2016 because I started in 2006 as a bus person and then I did back waiter, front waiter, captain and now I do matre d’,” said Shahin Ahmed.
Barbetta first opened at 36th and 9th but in 1925 its owner purchased the building from the Astor family. After the owner passed, his daughter, Laura Maioglio took it over in 1962. She would go on to become one of the city’s most iconic female restauranteurs.
Shirley MacClaine and Andy Warhol would dine there. Maioglio died last month at the age of 93. She had no siblings and no children. Her wish when she passed was for the restaurant to close.
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“Laura was the kindest, nicest person. Generous to a fault. She would help anybody if you needed,” said Wallace Jordan.
Barbetta is also the oldest restaurant in New York that is still owned by the same family that founded it. In the end, her family was her staff.
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