Company description::
Contact:
Christine Ennis
(212) 319-7566/Christine@Danielides.net
Legendary New York City Speakeasy Commemorates 70th Anniversary of the Repeal of Prohibition
Frankie & Johnnie’s Steakhouse
269 West 45th Street, New York City
New York, NY, December 5, 2003 – National Prohibition came to an end on December 5, 1933, as Utah became the 36th state to ratify the 21st Amendment to the Constitution, repealing the 18th Amendment. Imagine the celebrations that went on across the nation that day. Frankie & Johnnie’s Steakhouse at 269 West 45th Street was there.
Frankie & Johnnie’s Steakhouse has been a celebrated New York fixture since 1926, having opened as a speakeasy at the height of Prohibition. To gain access, patrons knocked on an unmarked door and used the password “FRANKIE” when a small peephole was opened. With admittance, a confirmation reply of “JOHNNIE” was heard. The business began operation as a steakhouse when Prohibition was lifted. It is one of three remaining original Speakeasy’s in New York City and one of the city’s oldest continual dining establishments.
The establishment was and still is a favorite haunt of the stars of stage and screen whose many autographed photos are the principal decoration. The stories of this speakeasy are legendary – card games until dawn where summer homes were wagered, the rich and famous “living it up” and even visits from US Presidents. It’s a living tribute to Old New York.
In celebration of this landmark anniversary, Frankie & Johnnie’s Steakhouse premiered their Private Label Merlot in all four of their locations this month. In 1998 the younger generation of this family owned business formed F & J Ventures, LLC to continue expansion of the business and bring their great tastes closer to home. Currently the Steakhouse has 4 locations - 2 in Manhattan; Rye, New York; and Hoboken, New Jersey, bottles and sells their Old Fashioned Steaksauce, sells their own steak knives, and now serves a Private Label Merlot.
New York Times, December 5, 1933 – “Washington, Dec. 5 -- Legal liquor today was returned to the United States, with President Roosevelt calling on the people to see that ‘this return of individual freedom shall not be accompanied by the repugnant conditions that obtained prior to the adoption of the Eighteenth Amendment and those that have existed since its adoption.’”
Please visit www.frankieandjohnnies.com for more information.
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