Palm Beach staple Ta-boo faces eviction
The iconic Palm Beach restaurant Ta-boó – a favorite of socialites and stars like Celine Dion and Bon Jovi, as well as the late Bea Arthur and Frank Sinatra – could be forced to close its doors.
In 2021, the chic Worth Avenue building was taken over by new owners.
Now Page Six learns that the legendary spot, which has been running for 80 years, has received an eviction notice.
We learn that the owners of Ta-boó want to sign a new lease. But a representative for the building’s owners, 219 Worth Ave Holdings, LLC, tells us, “We are delighted to have signed a lease with a new tenant with plans to renovate and refresh the [space].”
According to documentation seen by Page Six, the restaurant, owned by Franklyn de Marco, offered to pay $600,000 in annual rent and pay up to $5 million to rebuild and renovate the property in exchange for a lease from 15 years old.
It is unclear what would replace the restaurant. A source tells Page Six that the neighborhood staple, which also counts Howard Stern, Susan Lucci and Rod Stewart among its customers, could be replaced by a watch store, but other sources say it could house a new restaurant.
Meanwhile, Worth Avenue Association President Greg Beletsky is protesting the move. Beletsky sent a letter to the city’s mayor, Danielle H. Moore, and members of the city council claiming that Ta-boó is an “important part of the history” of the area.
“It would be tragic if this historic gem were erased from the charm that weaves Palm Beach’s past with the present,” the letter reads. “As you know, the beauty and appeal of residents dining at the city’s historic venues is a tradition Palm Beach families have had for generations.”
The spot employs 75 people. They would be out of work if the restaurant closed.
We learn that Ta-boo is seeking legal recourse.