What is Ciao Hospitality Group?

Readers emailed us after our report last week that some locations of Fireman Hospitality Group, the bankrupt restaurant company founded by the late Shelly Fireman would be taken over by little-known Ciao Hospitality Group.

While Landry’s Inc., owned by Tillman Fertitta, now owns Trattoria dell’ Arte, Fiorello’s and Bond 45, Ciao will get less-successful Paris Bar, two Brooklyn Diner locations and Brooklyn Deli. (Fireman’s places in Washington, DC, and National Harbor in Maryland didn’t appeal to either new owner and are closing this month).

But what is Ciao?

Founded by Jeff Crivello and Charles Davidson, in 2024, the company based in Libertyville, Ill., operates casual brands in various parts of the country such as Cowboy Jack’s, Sally’s Saloon and Berry Divine Acai Bowls.

As per Ciao’s website, “The  company was founded with a vision to rejuvenate exceptional brands and propel their sustained long-term growth.” We wish them well.

Dolce & Gabbana is moving its offices to one of our favorite Midtown landmarks, the Fred D. French Building at the Feil Organization’s repositioned551 Fifth Ave. at East 45th Street. The company will move from546 Fifth. across the street.

The asking rent on the fashion firm’s 21,000 square feet was $65 per square foot. The recently modernized French Building is about 85% leased and has seen more than 200,000 square feet of recent leasing to tenants including the National Women’s Soccer League and law firm Sadis & Goldberg.