‘This Is No ‘Homage;’ It Is Theft’: Carnegie Hall Sues Carnegie Diner

Carnegie Hall is suing Carnegie Diner and Cafe — which opened in 2019, and is not to be confused with Carnegie Deli, which closed in 2016 — for using its name to promote itself and franchise, according to a lawsuit filed on Tuesday, May 20 in a Manhattan federal court.

Carnegie Hall Corp, the company that manages the historic 100-plus-year-old venue, said the owner of Carnegie Diner, Efstathios Antonakopoulos, has “traded off its image and brand to promote his Carnegie Diners” in Manhattan, New Jersey, and Virginia, with plans to franchise nationwide over the next several years. Inside, the diner features images of the stage and performers along with merch including references to “appearances by singer Bob Dylan, soprano Maria Callas, and civil rights leader Martin Luther King” at Carnegie Hall. The filing noted that Carnegie Hall has been trying to resolve this “amicably” for years without success. Antonakopoulos allegedly says it’s an homage to the venue. “This is no ‘homage;’ it is theft,” reads the complaint.

The lawsuit seeks “unspecified damages unspecified damages, a halt to further alleged infringements, and the cancellation of Carnegie Hospitality’s registration with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office for Carnegie Diner & Cafe restaurants.”

“Carnegie Diner & Cafe has proudly served its community from when it first opened in 2019,” said Eleni Melekou, Esq. at Pardalis & Nohavicka who is representing Carnegie Diner. “We have built a distinctive brand that stands on its own and earned our reputation of quality food, genuine hospitality, and respect for our neighbors. We believe we have acted in accordance with a prior agreement. We are confident that we and our neighbors will be able to work out any misunderstandings.”

Bars and restaurants across the city will broadcast the Knicks playoff games starting tonight, Wednesday, May 21. But perhaps the closest option to the action is Roberta’s, which is adjacent to Madison Square Garden (One Penn Plaza, 33 East). It’s $120 per ticket that includes a pizza and two drinks on the rooftop, with “a loud, proud, Knicks-loving crowd,” rain or shine.

Other options include a watch party at Slate (54 W. 21st Street at Sixth Avenue). Doors open at 6 p.m. with half-price drinks for the first hour. In addition to the game, ping-pong tables, pool tables, skee-ball, and a foosball table, among other games. Tickets are $55. And Clinton Hall is hosting is hosting pre-game specials also starting at 6 p.m. in all four locations with items like $3 Jell-O shots and $3 sliders.

On May 31, Chinatown’s Corima from chef Fidel Caballero will cook a five-course dinner at the James Beard Foundation’s Platform at Pier 57 in partnership with Mexico City’s Masala y Maiz. Tickets are available online from $165 to $205 for seats.