The End Of An Era: 5 Major Facts About X2O Xaviars On The Hudson's Closure And The Pier's New Future
The iconic X2O Xaviars on the Hudson, a cornerstone of fine dining along the Westchester waterfront for nearly two decades, officially closed its doors on September 29, 2024. This news sent ripples through the New York Metro area's culinary scene, marking the end of a spectacular run for Chef Peter Kelly's flagship restaurant at the historic Yonkers City Pier. The closure, which was confirmed by Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano, was not a sudden decision but rather the conclusion of a long-standing agreement with the city.
The immediate question on everyone's mind—what happens to the stunning, floor-to-ceiling glass-enclosed space overlooking the Hudson River and the New Jersey Palisades—has now been answered. The location will soon welcome a new, highly anticipated upscale seafood establishment, ensuring that the Yonkers Pier remains a prime culinary destination. This article dives into the legacy of X2O, the profile of its legendary founder, and the exciting new venture set to take its place.
The Culinary Mastermind: Chef Peter Kelly's Biography and Restaurant Group
The story of X2O Xaviars on the Hudson is inseparable from its founder, the celebrated and self-taught restaurateur, Chef Peter X. Kelly. His career is a testament to dedication and a deep understanding of hospitality, beginning decades before he launched the Yonkers waterfront gem.
- Full Name: Peter X. Kelly
- Born: June 3, 1959
- Education: No formal culinary education; he is a truly self-taught chef and restaurateur. He holds a business degree.
- Career Launch: At the age of 23, Kelly opened his first restaurant, Xaviar's, in Garrison, New York, in 1983.
- Restaurant Group: He is the owner and operator of the renowned Xaviars Restaurant Group.
- Other Notable Restaurants: The Xaviars Restaurant Group currently manages and operates several other popular establishments, including Xaviars and Freelance Cafe in Piermont, New York, and Basso by PXK in Chappaqua.
- Significance: Chef Kelly became a prominent figure in the New York culinary world, known for his innovative European cuisine and for establishing dining destinations that celebrated the Hudson Valley's natural beauty and local produce.
The Shocking Details of the X2O Xaviars Closure (September 2024)
For 16 years, X2O was the premier location for celebrating milestones, from weddings and anniversaries to major corporate events. Its closure was a significant event for the Yonkers waterfront, but the reason was purely contractual, not financial or operational.
The Expiration of the City License
The primary reason for the restaurant's closure was the expiration of its long-term license agreement with the City of Yonkers. As of September 29, 2024, X2O Xaviars on the Hudson ended its 20-year license with the city. This date marked the predetermined conclusion of the agreement that allowed the restaurant to occupy the publicly owned space on the historic pier.
Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano acknowledged the restaurant’s importance, stating that X2O played a significant role in the revitalization of the Yonkers waterfront. Its presence helped transform the area into the bustling destination it is today, drawing visitors from across the New York Metro area and beyond.
A Legacy of Fine Dining and Ambiance
X2O was more than just a restaurant; it was a destination. The building itself was the culmination of a six-year effort to restore the Yonkers Pier to its original turn-of-the-century prominence. The restaurant’s design was contemporary, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows that provided unobstructed, panoramic views of the Hudson River, the Palisades, and the George Washington Bridge, making the ambiance as memorable as the meal.
The cuisine was celebrated for its blend of Asian, French, and Mediterranean influences, often referred to as global, innovative European cuisine. This focus on high-quality ingredients and creative execution cemented its status as a fine dining powerhouse in Westchester County.
The Sea Fire Grill: The New Chapter on the Yonkers City Pier
The void left by X2O Xaviars on the Hudson will not last long. The City of Yonkers quickly announced an exciting new tenant for the prime waterfront location, ensuring the pier’s reputation as a top-tier dining spot continues. This transition represents a new chapter for the historic location.
Introducing Benjamin Restaurant Group
The new establishment taking over the space is The Sea Fire Grill, a concept from the renowned Benjamin Restaurant Group (BRG). This group is widely respected in the fine dining world and is best known for its successful Benjamin Steakhouse brand, which has popular locations in Manhattan and beyond.
The Benjamin Restaurant Group is known for its commitment to luxurious settings, impeccable service, and high-quality cuisine. Their move to the Yonkers City Pier is a major vote of confidence in the area's continued growth and appeal as a high-end destination.
What to Expect from The Sea Fire Grill
The Sea Fire Grill is set to open in the summer following the closure. As the name suggests, the new restaurant will focus on upscale seafood. While X2O offered a broad, globally inspired European menu, The Sea Fire Grill will bring a specialized, high-end seafood experience to the Hudson River waterfront.
The anticipation is high, as the new restaurant will undoubtedly leverage the existing, stunning architectural features of the venue—the expansive windows and the unparalleled views—to create a fresh, luxurious ambiance. The new concept is expected to continue the tradition of making the Yonkers City Pier a culinary landmark in the New York Metro area.
The Enduring Legacy of the Yonkers Waterfront
The closure of X2O Xaviars on the Hudson is a moment of reflection on the incredible contribution Chef Peter Kelly and his team made to the local community and the Hudson Valley. Their 16-year tenure helped solidify Yonkers as a destination for sophisticated dining.
The swift transition to The Sea Fire Grill demonstrates the enduring value of the Yonkers City Pier location. The combination of a historic setting, breathtaking views of the Hudson River, and the promise of world-class cuisine ensures that the waterfront will continue to thrive. The legacy of "Xavier on the Hudson" is not just in the name of a single restaurant, but in the successful restoration and establishment of the Yonkers Pier as a premier dining and entertainment hub for the entire region.
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