GOTHAM RESTAURANT
In November of 2021, Gotham reopened with new owners for the first time since 1984. After closing for 18 months during the pandemic, Gotham came back with an updated name—trading “Bar and Grill” for “Restaurant”— a redesigned interior by its original architect James Biber, and a new menu with longtime former pastry chef Ron Paprocki in the role of executive chef.
Historically decorated with an unprecedented six three-star New York Times reviews, Gotham’s new owners—former Managing Partner Bret Csencsitz and environmentalist Kevin Conrad—sought to honor this legacy while ushering Gotham into a greener, more mindful era. Filling the restaurant with books, music, and art to complement its world-class dining, Csencsitz’s stated goal is to make Gotham “the most meaningful restaurant in New York.” Arts and dining programming, from evening jazz to exclusive wine dinners, make Gotham a vibrant, ever-evolving destination like the city it calls home.
Over the years a host of iconic chefs have cut their teeth in Gotham kitchen. With Gotham’s four decades of culinary history behind him, Paprocki has captured the spirit of Gotham’s approachable yet unforgettable cuisine while introducing his own vision for the menu. The goal to provide unpretentious service in an environment that inspires you and your conversation remains the same today as in 1984.
PRESS AND ACCOLADES
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OUR PEOPLE
BRET CSENCSITZ
Managing Partner
Since 2007 Bret has served at the helm of Gotham, first as GM then as managing partner, ensuring that the restaurant lives up to its legacy while continuing to push boundaries as a leader in the New York dining scene. During his time on 12th Street, he has also helped develop the Gotham Chocolates program as well as a collection of fine culinary products under the label, Gotham Selections. Csencsitz has also demonstrated his commitment to New York and the food movement through his ongoing work with GrowNYC, on whose board he now serves.
Like many in the industry Bret has his roots in the performing arts, having spent much of his early time in the city as a classically trained actor, director, and producer. His studies in the work of the Bard have impacted nearly every aspect of his life and work, including naming his son William…and his daughter Cordelia!
Food, family, and the arts remain Csencsitz’s driving passions as he works to cement Gotham’s legacy as New York’s most enduringly excellent and meaningful dining institution.
RON PAPROCKI
Executive Chef
Over the years a host of iconic chefs have cut their teeth in Gotham kitchen. For this new era, Ron Paprocki moves into the role of Executive Chef after nearly ten years as Gotham’s Head Pastry Chef and the co-creator of Gotham Chocolates with Csencsitz in 2015. With Gotham’s four decades of culinary history behind him, Paprocki will draw on the past to reconnect our generations of customers with the cuisine they’ve missed while introducing his own vision for the menu.
Prior to Gotham, Ron received his culinary training at Elisabeth-Knipping Schule in Kassel, Germany, and served as an apprentice pastry chef at Café Alheit in Kassel. Upon receiving his diploma in 2004, Ron moved to New York where he became Head Baker and Assistant Pastry Chef at the celebrated Financier Patisserie. Since then he’s been part of the opening teams of Saschsa Bakery/Restaurant, as well as Gordon Ramsay at The London. Chef Paprocki joined the Gotham team in 2012, initially heading up the Pastry Department. In his 2019 3-star New York Times review, restaurant critic Pete Wells raved about Chef Paprocki’s pastry prowess, heralding his pain perdu and soufflés, and calling his tarte Tatin “the greatest in the city.”
DANIEL SANON
General Manager
After serving the late great Four Seasons as General Manager from 2009 to its closing in 2020, Daniel chose to bring his mastery of hospitality downtown for Gotham’s reopening. We are honored and grateful he did. A trilingual leader who has filled every role front and back of house, Daniel is a team and business builder who has a special way with guests and a gift for shaping an elevated yet seemingly effortless fine-dining experience.