New York-inspired restaurant set for city centre opening with £200,000 investment

A New York City-inspired restaurant is set to open in Leeds city centre following a £200,000 investment.

Union Square will officially open in the Merrion Centre next month, offering space for 80 diners and creating 12 new jobs.

The new restaurant has been created by Nick Julian and Jordan Franz, who are behind Simpatico Pizza in The Queens Arcade.

Union Sqaure will feature a ‘grab and go’ food offering during the day, serving the likes of fresh salad, burgers, wraps and pizza. At night, the venue will transform into a bar, with the aim of attracting visitors from first direct arena which sits directly opposite.

Nick Julian, managing director of Simpatico Restaurants, said: “The Merrion Centre has been heavily invested in across recent years, attracting a variety of successful daytime and evening venues including MyThai and Bengal Brasserie. We are confident Union Square will further complement the vibrant Arena Quarter as it continues to thrive with the abundant new student accommodation and office space in the pipeline.

“This will give us direct access to a diverse mix of customers who we look forward to introducing to our new daily fresh food and drink concept, whilst also giving concert goers a quality evening offering a stone’s throw from the 13.5k capacity first direct arena.”

Hattie Ramsden, Asset Manager for Town Centre Securities, which owns the Merrion Centre, added: “We’re resolutely committed to expanding both our customer base and the variety of food and drink available at the Merrion Centre, Nick and his team have a tremendous track record of delivering modern, popular dining concepts here in Leeds and we are thrilled he has chosen Merrion Way for Union Square.

“We are confident that this new venue will prove to be a popular addition and will continue to cement the Arena Quarter’s position as a key leisure destination in the heart of Leeds.”

Union Square will be located on Merrion Way opposite Costa Coffee.

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