RSVP Sold; Jon B and Seth Levine Make Moves in Midtown

RSVP, the sceney restaurant lounge at 15 Watts Street has been sold, according to a source close to the deal. Both owners Jon Bakhshi (better known as Jon B) and executive chef Seth Levine have retained the RSVP name but are out after reportedly signing over the space on Saturday to Turkish buyers who plan to reopen it with a new concept and direction. Mr. Levine who confirmed the sale, declined to comment on the details of the deal, but added “it made for a good birthday present;” the chef turned 32 today.

Back in the fall, plans of a second RSVP location in the former Frederick’s space at 8 West 58th Street were leaked to NYNightlife and it appears Jon B and Mr. Levine are currently developing a concept which may or may not be RSVP for the 58th Street location, putting the duo less than two blocks from LAVO and the rather mysterious Pink Elephant affiliated club at 40 East 58th Street, possibly making a two-block stretch of Midtown an increasingly popular late night destination.