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Brand Essence Hospitality Group licensed for restaurant at 413 W 14th St

Brand Essence Hospitality Group licensed for restaurant at 413 W 14th St

Money Moves New York, NY local

New York Liquor Authority record shows license issued to BGI 14th Street LLC with Brand Essence as manager

Yesterday: Liquor license issued at 413 W 14th St

Overview

Updated 1 hour ago

New York's Liquor Authority issued a restaurant liquor license on Oct. 20 to BGI 14th Street LLC, with Brand Essence Hospitality Group Inc. listed as manager. The address is 413 W 14th St in Manhattan's Meatpacking District.

Brand Essence is the group behind Bagatelle, the French restaurant and nightlife spot that became a Meatpacking District fixture. The license is a single regulatory approval — it doesn't confirm what concept will run at the address or whether the venue has opened.

Why it matters

A liquor license is the essential step for any New York restaurant or bar — this one puts a known nightlife operator in the Meatpacking District.

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Key Indicators

1
Restaurant liquor license issued
New York State Liquor Authority license issued Oct. 20, 2026

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People Involved

Organizations Involved

Timeline

2008 October 2026

5 events Latest: Yesterday
Tap a bar to jump to that date
  1. Liquor license issued at 413 W 14th St

    Latest Regulatory

    New York State Liquor Authority issues a restaurant license to BGI 14th Street LLC with Brand Essence Hospitality Group as manager.

  2. Bagatelle NY reopens at One Little West 12th

    Opening

    The Bagatelle flagship returns to the Meatpacking District at One Little West 12th.

  3. Brand Essence and The ONE Group announce joint venture

    Partnership

    The two hospitality groups partner to expand Bagatelle and similar concepts across the United States.

  4. Villa Pacri opens in Meatpacking District

    Opening

    Brand Essence opens its multi-level dining and nightlife venue in the Meatpacking District.

  5. Brand Essence founded

    Founding

    Remi Laba and Aymeric Clemente create Brand Essence Hospitality Group in New York.

Scenarios

1

Brand Essence opens a restaurant at 413 W 14th St

Likely Resolves by Q2 2027

Discussed by: Brand Essence's track record of opening Meatpacking District venues

The license is a prerequisite for operating a restaurant with alcohol service. Given Brand Essence's history of building high-profile venues in the neighborhood, the address could become an operating restaurant under one of its concepts. The license record itself doesn't confirm this outcome.

2

License issued but venue remains unopened

Possible Resolves by Q2 2027

Discussed by: The license record itself, which does not confirm an opening

A liquor license is one approval among several a venue needs. The record doesn't show whether the business has other permits, completed construction, or plans to open. The address could remain unopened for months or longer.

3

License transferred to another operator

Unlikely Resolves by End of 2027

Discussed by: Standard practice for New York liquor licenses, which can be transferred

Liquor licenses in New York can be transferred between entities. If BGI 14th Street LLC or Brand Essence changes plans for the address, the license could move to a different operator or be surrendered.

Historical Context

2 moments from history that rhyme with this story — and how they unfolded.

2008-2011

Bagatelle's Meatpacking rise (2008-2011)

Brand Essence founders Remi Laba and Aymeric Clemente opened Bagatelle in the Meatpacking District, building it into a destination for late-night dining. In 2011, they partnered with The ONE Group to expand the brand to Los Angeles and other cities.

Then

Bagatelle became a New York nightlife staple, and the partnership positioned it for national growth.

Now

The brand expanded to Los Angeles, with plans for London, Brazil and Dubai.

Why this matters now

Shows Brand Essence's pattern of building high-profile venues in the Meatpacking District, the same neighborhood as the new license.

2000s

Meatpacking District's nightlife era (2000s)

The former meatpacking hub became a center of high-end nightlife and dining, with venues like STK and Bagatelle drawing crowds. Brand Essence was part of this revitalization.

Then

The district became one of Manhattan's most sought-after dining and retail areas.

Now

It remains a prime location for hospitality operators.

Why this matters now

413 W 14th St sits in this district, where Brand Essence built its reputation.

Sources

(2)