Resorts Atlantic City welcomes a New York City classic, with Broadway favorite 'Gallagher's Steakhouse' to open Summer 2005

Business Wire, Nov 18, 2004

ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. -- The taste that has defined Broadway for generations is coming to the Atlantic City Boardwalk! Resorts Atlantic City announces that it has reached an agreement with Ark Restaurants to bring New York City's renowned Gallagher's Steakhouse to its beachfront property. Gallagher's Steakhouse will be positioned on Resorts Dining Level, in the location formerly occupied by the La Palais restaurant. Opening is slated for summer 2005.

"Gallagher's Steakhouse earned its reputation as the restaurant of choice on Broadway because of its rich tradition, impeccable service and high standard of excellence," said Audrey Oswell, President and Chief Executive Officer of Resorts Atlantic City. "The addition of Gallagher's reflects the commitment Resorts has to its guests and to the continued growth of Atlantic City."

"We believe that Gallagher's and Resorts are a perfect match, as both offer premium products with great tradition," said Michael Weinstein, President of Ark Restaurants. "With its many positive changes, improvements, and new additions, such as Resorts' Rendezvous hotel tower, Atlantic City has a bright future, and we are excited to be a part of it."

Gallagher's menu features traditional dry-aged steaks and seafood favorites prepared on their famous open flame. Gallagher's rich, dark wood decor completes the experience.

In 1927, located on West 52 Street in New York City, Gallagher's was the first speakeasy-a Runyonesque gathering place for gamblers, sports figures, showbiz folk and other stars of the Broadway firmament. That changed in 1933 with the sale of liquor now legalized, Gallagher's brought a new dimension to American cuisine: Broadway's first steakhouse and where the "New York Strip" steak was first served.

Gallagher's idea was a totally different concept, a retreat from the formal, plush elegance borrowed from Europe that was then in favor as restaurant decor. It was back to the basics: plain plank floors, wood-paneled walls and red checked tablecloths-an informal blending of speakeasy and country inn. The dark walls were covered with photos of Broadway and Hollywood stars, business and political luminaries, and athletes past and present, including the equine performers celebrated at Belmont Park and Jamaica, New York's showcase racetracks of then and today.

Jerome Brody, a great restauranteur and the originator of Restaurant Associates, purchased Gallagher's in 1964. With Jerome Brody's ingenuity and foresight, he took the refrigerator that was at the front of the restaurant and opened up the front so that the contents could be seen from the street. He stocked it with the best USDA Prime aged meat. The beef was kept at a constant 36 degrees for 21 days to insure tenderness.

Today, Gallagher's is in its 75th year- 58 of them as a steakhouse. The decor remains the same as it was and so does the incredible mix of clientele- showbiz people from both coasts; athletes from every calling of the sports world; business men and women from overseas and of course New York; and Big Apple visitors from Connecticut to Cannes.

About Ark Restaurants

Gallagher's Steakhouse at Resorts is part of the Ark Restaurant family. Ark Restaurants operates distinctively designed restaurants in New York City, Las Vegas, and Washington, D.C. From Tsunami Grill, located in Las Vegas' Venetian Resort Hotel and Casino and winner of the 2002 AIA award for design; to Gallagher's Steakhouse in Las Vegas' New York New York Hotel Casino; to Bryant Park Grill located behind New York City's public library; to the 1000-seat Sequoia along the banks of Washington's beautiful Potomac River, the dining experience is sure to be a pleasurable one when visiting an Ark restaurant.

For more information, contact Brian Cahill at 609-340-6432 or visit the Resorts Atlantic City media web site at http://www.resortsac.com/media