Front of House is Making Its Debut on the Lower East Side

Front of House , a new French restaurant set to open later this year, plans to delight customers with croque madame, charcuterie boards, foie gras, cassoulet and steak. The dimly-lit atmosphere will be ideal for dinner dates, while the proposed outdoor seating area will be catered more towards lunchtime meetings.

White Horse Hospitality will own Front of House, and the management behind the space are Dimitri Williot, Ted McLeod, Evan Gonzalez and Chris Schmidt .

What Now NY connected with Williot over the phone to learn more about the concept.

“I grew up on the Lower East Side, so I know the neighborhood here well,” said Williot. “Honestly, I’d be surprised if this business wasn’t a success as really any sort of food and beverage concept will do well here. We want to elevate the dining experience for people and create a classy eating establishment. We’ll offer steaks but without the inaccessible price tag people associate it with.”

Williot confirmed that approximately 70 people will be able to fit inside the restaurant. A questionnaire filled out for a liquor license application confirms there will be seven tables indoors with a stand-up bar with 25 bar stools. Rendering for the space indicate a private room between the bar area and kitchen.

Leaning into the romantic atmosphere that White Horse Hospitality aims to create, there will be statues of cherubs behind the bar.

Based on current estimates, Front of House will have a soft opening in early August and a hard opening around the end of the year.

Keep up with What Now New York’s restaurant, retail, and real estate scoop by subscribing to our newsletter , liking us on Facebook , and following us on Twitter . Opening a restaurant? Browse our Preferred Partners .