Jackson Heights Life

Planesland, I'm not exactly sure by what you mean with that post but let me first respond with, yum.

Second, if you're implying those prices are high and they are from spotted pig, which is one of the wealthiest neighborhoods in Manhattan, here are the prices from Walters

blackened catfish coleslaw, tartar sauce...17
whole roasted trout capers, lemon, brown butter...22
spicy fisherman’s stew crab, mussels, cockles, shrimp, in shellfish broth, w/ grilled sourdough.............................24
roasted half chicken spicy honey and lemon rub & mashed potatoes..........................................................................20
wild mushroom risotto wild mushrooms, parmesan broth............................................................................................22
fried chicken mashed potatoes, brown gravy, spicy honey...16
berkshire pork chop broccoli rabe, salsa verde, jalapeño grits......................................................................................23
7 oz. walter burger on brioche roll w/ lettuce, tomato, onion, pickle & fries (add bacon and/or cheddar cheese $1 each)....14
grilled bar steak fries, arugula, horseradish cream, chimichurri...................................................................................25
french dip filet mignon on baguette w/ horseradish sauce, au jus & fries..............................................................................18

I would patronize a gastropub or higher quality American restaurant in the neighborhood so often - for date night, for 5 PM family dinner, for brunch, as part of the tour with which I hope to lure friends here (which also includes lots of older neighborhood spots that I love and will continue to visit frequently).  It is true that we are not a wealthy neighborhood, but this can happen.

An American bistro do great here. It would also work as an anchor for the Bruson as well. I think this neighborhood could definitely support it. I see plenty of wholefoods and Bloomingdales shopping bags getting off the subway and walking down 37th avenue. Wouldn't it be great to have a fun place to stop off before going home for dinner or a drink.

I also agree that something like that would do well here. It's a dated and totally un-hip reference but I was idly thinking something along the lines of a toned-down version of Coffee Shop on Union Square would absolutely have broad enough appeal to be successful here. Armando's and La Portena were both relatively pricey and busy. And not incidentally, they were both located in the Bruson Building!

The comments both here and in private messages are much appreciated.

We're going ahead with a restaurant. The question is whether we'll open in Manhattan or Jackson Heights. This neighborhood is well served by South American, East Indian and Asian restaurants offering casual dining. The question is whether the area will support a modern American restaurant that offers more refined service (when it comes to service, we think that Danny Meyer has it right in his book on hospitality, Setting the Table). There is no clear answer to the question because, to the best of our knowledge, nobody has tried to do it. It's a risk, but also an opportunity.

The chef/owner trained principally in France, specifically in Paris and the Rhône-Alpes. This means that French technique will be at the core of the menu. Beyond saying that, it is difficult at this early stage to define "modern American" because the menu has to be responsive to the neighborhood. In the case of Jackson Heights, this means a menu that is of interest to people of a number of ethnic backgrounds. Over the last few years, there have been interesting developments in Latin cuisine, and these developments may be reflected in parts of the menu. Similarly, traditional Italian influences are evident in both American cuisine and some South American cuisine, which suggests that modern Italian influences may have broad appeal in this community.

We don't plan to compete with existing Jackson Heights restaurants. The community is at a saturation point for places that are based on minimal decor, casual service, high turnover of tables, and menus involving very inexpensive ingredients. It is possible to buy a steak for less than what one costs at a good butcher. There is no point in opening a restaurant that offers more of the same.

All of that said, the message about burgers comes through loud and clear. There will be one.

I guess what confuses me is why people who think that the neighborhood can't sustain a somewhat more upscale and/or "American syle" restaurant are so incredibly negative about it.  Of course anyone who opens a new restaurant business in this neighborhood should do their research and make sure there's clientele for it.  But what do any of us have to gain by opening up more of the same?  I don't want this neighborhood to turn into Brownstone Brooklyn, but there are tons of empty storefronts right now and I, for one, would love to see some more variety in our restaurants in the neighborhood.  I love and patronize what we have, but I'd also be very happy to see more.

I love Django Reinhardt and Stéphane Grappelli (I had the privilege of seeing Grappelli perform with Julian Lloyd Webber), but I'm not sure how well their music would go over in a New York restaurant in 2015. It would be an interesting experiment.

OMG, this, in JH, or Elmhurst or Woodside, would go over very well with me at least! Like heaven, in fact!!! 

Thanks for the clarification Redge.  Best of luck in whatever you are your partners decide.