La Masseria Group Joins The Shubert Organization as New Operating Partner of Sardi’s
NEW YORK, NY [June 25, 2026] – The Shubert Organization, which recently acquired the famed theatre district establishment Sardi’s from longtime owner Max Klimavicius, has announced La Masseria Group to join as new operating partner as Sardi’s undergoes a refresh, ahead of its reopening in the fall of 2026.
La Masseria Group is co-owned by Managing Partner Peppe Iuele, Managing Partner Enzo Ruggiero and Executive Chef and Managing Partner Pino Coladonato, with CEO and co-owner Eddie Ricci and in association with their longtime Interior Designer Libby Langdon.
Klimavicius recently retired after over 50 years at the theatre district institution that has become a second home to notable actors, directors, choreographers, producers and creative throughout its 100-year history. He now passes the baton to The Shubert Organization who will become the custodian of the legacy he leaves behind, with a deep appreciation and understanding of the significance Sardi’s holds within the theatre community.
“The preservation of Sardi’s historic character and its unique relationship with Broadway is a top priority,” said Shubert’s Chairman and CEO, Robert E. Wankel. “Bringing in La Masseria Group and making much-needed upgrades ensure that the restaurant will operate at the highest levels of service for generations to come, while remaining a central hub for the Broadway industry and its fans.”
From its earliest years, Sardi’s functioned as far more than a restaurant. It became a central meeting place where Broadway business was conducted, productions were celebrated, and opening-night traditions were established. The restaurant is widely recognized as the birthplace of the Tony Awards, the American theater industry’s highest honor, and for many years hosted Tony Award nominee events and other industry gatherings.
Perhaps the restaurant’s most distinctive feature is its collection of celebrity portraits. The tradition began when Vincent Sardi hired Russian-born artist Alex Gard to draw various Broadway personalities. Over time, successive artists expanded the collection, which now includes well over a thousand illustrated portraits displayed throughout the restaurant. These drawings have become an honor within the theater community, with a new portrait traditionally unveiled to recognize notable achievements on stage.
“We are thrilled to partner with The Shubert Organization as we honor the rich history that came before us and bring a fresh perspective to the guest experience in this next chapter,” said La Masseria Group Managing Partners Peppe Iuele, Enzo Ruggiero and Pino Coladonato. “The refresh will maintain the essence of what has made Sardi’s such a beloved establishment in the community while making some thoughtful enhancements to ensure it continues to thrive for years to come.”
During the “intermission” ahead of a fall reopening, The Shubert Organization will be collecting memories of the community mainstay through the “My Sardi’s Story” initiative. My Sardi’s Story is a place to celebrate the memories, friendships, and unforgettable moments that have made Sardi’s a cherished part of Broadway and New York City for generations. Whether you attended an opening night party, met a theatrical legend, celebrated a special moment or life milestone, or simply enjoyed a memorable meal beneath the famous portraits, you are invited to share your story, photos, and videos and help preserve the living history of this iconic restaurant. Submissions can be shared at www.sardis.com.
For more information and the latest updates ahead of reopening, please visit at Sardis.com and follow Sardi’s on
Facebook, Instagram, and X.
THE SHUBERT ORGANIZATION
The Shubert Organization is America’s oldest professional theatre company and the largest theatre owner on Broadway. Since the dawn of the 20th century, Shubert has operated hundreds of theatres and produced hundreds of plays and musicals enjoyed by millions of theatregoers both in New York City and throughout the United States. Shubert currently owns and operates 17 Broadway theatres, six off-Broadway venues, and the Forrest Theatre in Philadelphia. Under the leadership of Robert E. Wankel, Chairman and CEO, The Shubert Organization continues to be a leader in the theatre industry. Shubert delivers innovative ticketing solutions via its Telecharge interface, API distribution, and private-label technology, offering unparalleled distribution and marketing to the theatre industry and beyond. Its consumer-facing brands—Telecharge for retail ticket sales and Broadway Inbound for group buyers, tour operators, and the travel industry—sell millions of tickets each year. For more information, visit Shubert.nyc.
LA MASSERIA GROUP
La Masseria Group is a New York City–based restaurant group built on a love of authentic Italian cuisine and genuine hospitality. Founded in 2004 by Edward Ricci Sr., Eduard W. Ricci II, and managing partners Giuseppe Iuele (Peppe), Giuseppe Coladonato (Pino), and Vincenzo Ruggiero (Enzo), the group was created with a simple goal: to make every guest feel welcome and every dining experience memorable. Over the years, LMG has grown to own and operate five restaurants and two cafes and bakeries across the United States, with locations in New York City, Rhode Island, and South Florida. Each destination reflects our passion for quality, comfort, and the timeless traditions of Italian dining. La Masseria in New York City is our original restaurant and flagship location. Like each of our sister locations, it offers authentic Italian cuisine, thoughtfully crafted cocktails, extensive and curated wine list, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere that invites guests to relax, connect, and savor every moment. Through our food and beverage offerings, we share La Vera Cucina Italiana—authentic Italian cuisine—by thoughtfully curating every detail, from the menu and wine program to the cocktails and ambiance. At the heart of it all is our exceptionally dedicated team, whose passion, culinary integrity, and commitment to service help create the elevated experiences our guests return to again and again.
Peppe Iuele – Managing Partner (co-owner)
Originally from Capri, Italy, Peppe embodies the gracious spirit and effortless elegance of Italian hospitality in all that he does. With more than 45 years in the restaurant industry, he has devoted his career to curating exceptional dining experiences defined by warmth, refinement, and impeccable service. Over the years, he has cultivated expertise across nearly every facet of the business, serving with distinction as chef, busser, server, floor manager, general manager, and managing partner. From 1977, his journey has included: Manager at the restaurants of Elbow Beach Hotel and Elbow Beach Club in Bermuda. General manager at the restaurant of San Ysidro Ranch in Montecito, California. Server and manager at Sette Mezzo Restaurant in New York City. Co-owner of La Locanda in New York City. For Peppe, food has always been about bringing people together with generosity, beauty, and heart. Today, as executive manager and co-owner of La Masseria Group, he continues to shape a service culture distinguished by warmth, sophistication, and a sense of welcome that guests experience in every restaurant.
Enzo Ruggiero – Managing Partner (co-owner)
Born and raised on the island of Capri, Italy, Enzo brings more than 45 years of distinguished hospitality experience, along with a lifelong devotion to Italian cuisine, fine wine, and timeless tradition. Since beginning his career in 1979, he has mastered nearly every facet of the restaurant world—from busser and barback to server, bartender, floor manager, general manager, and managing partner—building an exceptional foundation defined by grace, discipline, and expertise. Before joining La Masseria Group, he served for 10 years as Captain-Waiter at Bice Ristorante. Enzo has known Peppe since childhood, when they grew up together in Capri. Over time, that early passion evolved into a refined understanding of the art of pairing exceptional wines with memorable cuisine. He created the extensive wine list at La Masseria and brought the same sophistication, creativity, and expertise to the distinctive collection at Masseria dei Vini. Today, he oversees the wine programs for all La Masseria Group locations, helping shape the warm, authentic, and elegantly elevated dining experience guests have come to cherish.
Pino Coladonato – Executive Chef and Managing Partner (co-owner)
Born and raised in Rutigliano, Bari, Italy, Pino brings the soul of southern Italy to every kitchen he leads, infusing each experience with warmth, elegance, and authenticity. With more than 45 years in the restaurant world, he brings a rare depth of experience, an unwavering passion, and a lifelong devotion to the art of hospitality. Over the course of an extraordinary career, he has distinguished himself as a cook, chef, executive chef, and managing partner, earning admiration at every level of the industry. His culinary path includes Elio’s Restaurant in New York, where he honed his craft as a cook in one of the city’s distinguished dining rooms. Pino met Peppe and Enzo during his 14 years as Executive Chef at Sette Mezzo, a formative chapter that helped define both his career and his distinctive culinary voice. Today, through the menus at Masseria dei Vini, Masseria East on the Upper East Side, and La Masseria in Rhode Island and Palm Beach Gardens, he continues to share the warmth, refinement, and enduring traditions of his Puglia roots.
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