Seared Steakhouse Closes in Lakewood, NJ: A Post-Mortem Analysis & Bordeaux to Replace It
The upscale kosher restaurant scene in Lakewood, New Jersey, has faced a significant setback with the recent closure of Seared Steakhouse. This high-end establishment, opened by Moshe Lifshitz, who owns the famous Hapisgah Restaurant in Queens, was known for its ambitious culinary offerings and luxurious ambiance, has shuttered its doors, making way for Bordeaux Steakhouse from Brooklyn, which will be taking over the space.
Factors Contributing to Seared’s Closure
There are many different views about the drivers of Seared’s closure, including from social media, but some of the key factors, in our view, are as follows:
Misalignment with Local Tastes
Seared’s approach to fine dining, offering “Michelin grade” dishes with corresponding price tags, appears to have been a mismatch for the Lakewood market. Despite the quality and effort put into their menu, diners were reportedly hesitant to pay the premium prices, indicating a disconnect between the restaurant’s vision and local preferences.
Intense Competition in Lakewood’s Kosher Scene
Lakewood boasts one of the most dynamic kosher food scenes in the country, with new restaurants opening at a rapid pace. This competitive landscape posed significant challenges for Seared, as it had to contend with both established favorites and new entrants vying for diners’ attention and loyalty.
Economic Challenges in Key Sectors
Reports indicate that Lakewood’s wealthy segment, which would typically patronize high-end establishments like Seared, is experiencing economic strain. The healthcare and real estate sectors, crucial drivers of Lakewood’s economy, are facing difficulties, with predictions of further challenges ahead.
Welcome to Seared.
— Frum TikTok (@FrumTikTok) December 28, 2023
A new upscale restaurant in Lakewood, NJ. pic.twitter.com/rfr8Jx0sqZ
High Operational Costs
The restaurant’s stunning interior, designed by renowned designer Susan Straus and constructed by Unique Builders, likely came with a hefty price tag of millions. Combined with presumably high rent for its spacious location, these factors may have created unsustainable operational costs for Seared.
PR Setbacks
An incident involving a viral receipt only days after Seared’s opening showing a dinner bill exceeding $6,973, which included $18 waters, reportedly dealt a significant blow to Seared’s reputation. In a tight-knit community where news spreads rapidly through platforms like WhatsApp, such negative publicity can have lasting impacts on a business. In an effort to shake this reputation of being wildly expensive, Seared made efforts to reduce the pricing and complexity of certain dishes, but it was not enough.
The post below on LinkedIn from the builder behind Seared airs the frustration that the “infamous” receipt may have caused to the restaurant. The comments on the post range from strong agreement to those with differing sentiments, with a focus on the exorbitant pricing at the restaurant being one of its Achilles heels.
The Future of Seared’s Location
Bordeaux Steakhouse of Brooklyn is set to expand its operations into Lakewood, taking over Seared’s former location. This move marks Bordeaux’s second kosher steakhouse outpost in the area after The Loft of Brooklyn opened nearby last year. Bordeaux is known for its French-American fusion cuisine and aims to provide an upscale dining experience that may resonate more effectively with the local community.
Reflections on Lakewood’s Restaurant Scene
The closure of Seared highlights the challenges faced by high-end restaurants in Lakewood’s competitive kosher dining market. While the community supports a vibrant food scene, the success of individual establishments depends on carefully balancing quality, pricing, and local preferences. As Lakewood continues to grow and evolve, the restaurant landscape will likely see further changes. The arrival of Bordeaux Steakhouse suggests that despite challenges, there remains strong interest in catering to Lakewood’s kosher dining community.
