Mexican Eatery Casa Carmen to Open Third Manhattan Location

Mexican restaurant Casa Carmen is opening its third Manhattan location in Midtown East, Commercial Observer has learned.

The restaurant concept started by chef Carmen “Titita” Ramírez Degollado signed a 15-year, 6,917-square-foot lease to serve up traditional Mexican cuisine at Sage’s 437 Madison Avenue, according to tenant broker Retail by MONA as well as the landlord.

Asking rent for the space was $200 per square foot, according to Retail by MONA.

“Casa Carmen is a natural fit for 437 Madison Avenue and our hospitality-driven approach to the workplace,” Michael Lenchner, director of leasing at Sage, said in a statement. “We are continually looking for ways to make the workplace experience more convenient, engaging and enjoyable for our tenants and their employees. Bringing a restaurant of Casa Carmen’s caliber into the building gives our members and tenants another exceptional option right outside their office doors.”

CBRE’s Matthew Chmielecki and Preston Cannon negotiated on behalf of the landlord, while John DiGangi of Retail by MONA represented Casa Carmen in the deal.

CBRE did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

“Midtown is seeing a new wave of investment and energy, driven by major corporate headquarters, office activity and the continued evolution of the neighborhood,” Brandon Singer, founder and CEO of Retail by MONA, said in a statement. “As more companies make significant commitments to the area, we’re seeing opportunities for restaurant and hospitality concepts that can serve the growing demand from office workers, residents and visitors alike.”

The New York Post briefly mentioned the deal in an Oct. 11 writeup but provided no details.

Casa Carmen has existing locations at 114 Franklin Street in Tribeca and 5 West 21st Street in the Flatiron District.

Mark Hallum can be reached at mhallum@commercialobserver.com.