Nick Zippilli, a Hell’s Kitchen resident for more than 40 years, built his affordable neighborhood steakhouse from an abandoned Chinese takeout, creating a gathering place for locals, Fox News hosts and political power players. As he prepares to close this evening, he reflects on the gamble that paid off, the changes that followed COVID and finally having time to enjoy New York.
“I like to joke there are only two ways to leave the restaurant business: rich or dead.” After 16 years running West Side Steakhouse on 10th Avenue, Nick Zippilli decided he would rather leave rich enough to enjoy life.
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Publisher & Editor Phil O’Brien is an entrepreneur and journalist. As an international photojournalist, he photographed Nelson Mandela, Mother Teresa, Princess Diana and many others. He built a successful international sports photography agency, EMPICS, that was Getty Images’ major competitor in Europe when it sold. He founded a children’s charity in the UK that has helped young people through sport for over 15 years. Phil has lived in New York since 2012. He founded W42ST in 2014.