Lindy's facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lindy's |
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The Lindy's location at Broadway and 51st Street; a look at the interior and the famous Lindy's cheesecake.
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| Restaurant information | |
| Established | 1921 |
| Closed | February 7, 2018 |
| Street address | Manhattan |
| City | New York City |
| State | New York |
| Country | United States |
Lindy's was a very famous deli and restaurant in New York City. It was known for its tasty food, especially its amazing cheesecake! There were actually two different restaurant chains that used the name Lindy's.
The first Lindy's was started by a man named Leo "Lindy" Lindemann. It opened way back in 1921. This original chain served customers for many years, finally closing in 1969. Later, in 1979, another company decided to bring the Lindy's name back. They opened new restaurants using the famous name. The very last of these newer Lindy's locations closed its doors in February 2018.
Where Were the Lindy's Restaurants?
The original Lindy's chain had two main spots. One was at 1626 Broadway, near 49th Street. Today, a Junior's Restaurant is in that spot. The other original location was at 1655 Broadway, close to 51st Street. Now, a McDonald's restaurant stands there.
The newer Lindy's restaurants, opened by the Riese Organization, were also in Manhattan. You could find them at 825 7th Avenue near 53rd Street, and at 401 7th Avenue near 32nd Street. The location on 7th Avenue at 53rd Street was the last one to close.
A Look Back at Lindy's History
Leo "Lindy" Lindemann and his wife Clara opened the first Lindy's on August 20, 1921. Their first restaurant was at 1626 Broadway. It quickly became a popular place to eat. They opened a second location at 1655 Broadway in 1929.
In 1956, a serious incident happened outside the restaurant involving a journalist named Victor Riesel.
The first Lindy's location at 1626 Broadway closed in 1957. Since 2017, a Junior's Restaurant has been in that historic spot. In 1969, the other original Lindy's at 1655 Broadway was bought by another company. They closed it down to turn it into a steak house.
Lindy's Famous Cheesecake
Lindy's was super famous for its cheesecake. Many people said it was one of the most well-known cheesecakes in the whole United States! Its fame even spread to Broadway. The cheesecake was mentioned in the famous musical Guys and Dolls. Characters Nathan Detroit and Sky Masterson sang about how great it was!
In 1979, a restaurant company in New York City called the Riese Organization decided to bring Lindy's back. They found that the name "Lindy's" was no longer being used by anyone. So, they were able to get the legal right to use the name again. That's how the newer Lindy's restaurants came to be!
