The long-awaited Tracks Raw Bar & Grill has finally opened its second location at Grand Central Madison, as announced by the MTA. The restaurant, which is known for its connection with commuters, especially those traveling via the Long Island Railroad, has set up shop beside the LIRR ticket window in the Grand Central concourse. This marks the establishment's return to its roots after relocating in 2019 due to the redevelopment of Penn Station's LIRR concourse. The MTA chair and CEO, Janno Lieber, was on site to celebrate the opening, signaling the beginning of more retail and food offerings to come to the newly minted station. According to ABC7NY, Lieber said, "Tracks is the first step towards filling the terminal with a full range of retail and food options to go along with the most reliable service in the railroad's long history."
The welcome sequence of the restaurant's opening was a moment of joy for those who have been anticipating the station's first major retail operator since its public opening in January 2023. The site of the new Tracks Raw Bar & Grill is located on the concourse level, next door to an art installation by Yayoi Kusama. With a daily footfall of 70,000 riders, Grand Central Madison has found its first dining destination, though the retail spaces have largely remained unoccupied due to a series of delays and challenges in securing tenants. Despite initial announcements indicating a Fall 2024 opening, hungry commuters had to wait an extra year to be able to grab a bite at the bar-style venue, according to a report by Gothamist. MTA's negotiations are ongoing to bring additional retailers into the fold.
The MTA has shown confidence in the restaurant's potential by offering Tracks a 10-year lease. The arrangement includes a rent of $216,000 for the first year and an additional 12% on gross sales over $2.5 million. Crucially, Tracks was required to invest approximately $1 million for the construction of the restaurant space. According to MTA documents, these details underscore a significant commitment to reviving the commercial appeal of the station. The Grand Central Madison branch of Tracks boasts a modern aesthetic, with beige stools and a silver exterior that harmonizes with the station's design language, aligning to the clean lines and contemporary feel of its surroundings.
Tracks Raw Bar & Grill's promise extends beyond merely serving up food and drinks. It aims to offer a familiar and amiable haven for those traversing the bustling transit hub. "Track's hospitality is more than just a principle, it's a practice. We treat our guests like family. It’s a place to decompress. To be recognized. To feel like a local, even if you’re just passing through," states the restaurant's website. The establishment is slated to operate from noon to midnight daily, with food service available from 3 to 10 p.m., featuring a menu that includes a local raw bar, chowder, and a Cajun chicken sandwich alongside chilled martinis and craft cocktails, as reported by Gothamist.
