The hospitality teams behind Zero Bond, White Horse Tavern, and Dandelion are launching Keepers, a nostalgic neighborhood pizza spot serving Jersey-style bar pies and craft cocktails in New York City’s West Village.
A New Pizza Destination Arrives
July 02, 2026: New York City’s dining scene is welcoming another exciting addition with the debut of Keepers, a neighborhood pizzeria created by some of the hospitality industry’s most recognizable names. The restaurant is the latest venture from White Horse Tavern owner Eytan Sugarman, Zero Bond co-owner Will Makris, and Dandelion creative directors Emily Pires and Elena Hristu. Scheduled to open on July 7 in the West Village, Keepers aims to blend the warmth of a classic corner tavern with elevated food, drinks, and design.
The team behind the project says the restaurant is designed to feel approachable while delivering high-quality food and hospitality. Rather than creating another upscale pizza concept, the founders hope to build a welcoming neighborhood gathering place where families, friends, couples, and visitors can enjoy a casual meal in a relaxed atmosphere.
Image Credit: Noah Fecks
Inspired By Classic Taverns
Keepers draws inspiration from the neighborhood taverns of the 1970s, combining nostalgic interiors with contemporary dining. The founders describe the restaurant as a refined interpretation of the traditional corner bar, where guests can stop in for a pizza, cocktails, or simply spend an evening with friends.
The emphasis is on creating an inviting experience without sacrificing quality. From carefully designed interiors to an approachable price point, every element has been planned to encourage repeat visits from locals while also attracting visitors exploring the West Village. According to the team, the goal is to create a restaurant that feels familiar from the moment guests walk through the door.
Jersey-Style Bar Pies Take Center Stage
One of Keepers’ biggest attractions will be its distinctive pizza program. Executive chef Louis Tomczak, formerly of Paulie Gee’s and Made in New York Pizza, has developed a menu centered around thin-crust Jersey-style bar pies—a style the founders believe remains underrepresented in New York City‘s competitive pizza scene.
Alongside traditional cheese pizzas, diners can expect creative specialty pies including the Pineapple Express, Chicagoland, Bargherita, Thunder Road, Shore Thing, and Vodka Chicky Parm. The menu balances familiar comfort food with inventive flavor combinations designed to appeal to both traditional pizza lovers and adventurous diners.
Image Credit: Instagram/dandelionnewyork
Beyond Pizza And Cocktails
While pizza is the restaurant’s centerpiece, Keepers will also offer an extensive selection of appetizers, salads, wings, and desserts. Menu highlights include black garlic Caesar salad, spicy Italian sub salad, homemade kettle chips served with caramelized onion dip, and oven-charred wings available in bold flavors such as brown butter buffalo and charred lemon pepper.
Dessert will feature playful takes on pizza, including cinnamon bun-inspired and peaches-and-cream dessert pies. Complementing the menu is an elevated beverage program created by Ricky Dolinsky, formerly of The View restaurant, featuring Negronis, classic Italian cocktails, house specialties, local beers, approachable wines, and seasonal frozen drinks. Together, the food and beverage offerings are intended to create an experience that extends well beyond traditional neighborhood pizza dining.
Experienced Hospitality Team
Keepers brings together an accomplished group of hospitality professionals whose combined experience spans some of New York City’s most recognized restaurants and private clubs. By combining expertise from Zero Bond, White Horse Tavern, and Dandelion, the founders hope to create a venue that balances exceptional hospitality with an inviting neighborhood atmosphere.
Rather than focusing solely on trend-driven dining, the team has emphasized consistency, quality, and community. Their vision is to build a restaurant where guests feel equally comfortable stopping by for a quick slice, enjoying cocktails with friends, or gathering for family dinners.
This collaborative approach reflects a growing trend within New York City’s restaurant industry, where experienced operators are increasingly investing in neighborhood-focused concepts that prioritize comfort alongside elevated food and service.
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A Fresh Addition To The West Village
The West Village has long been known for its vibrant culinary scene, making it a fitting location for Keepers’ debut. With its nostalgic design, Jersey-style bar pies, and thoughtfully curated cocktail menu, the restaurant aims to offer something distinctive while complementing the neighborhood’s diverse collection of dining destinations.
As New Yorkers continue seeking restaurants that combine approachable menus with memorable hospitality, Keepers appears well-positioned to become a popular local gathering spot. Its emphasis on quality ingredients, creative recipes, and welcoming service reflects the evolving expectations of modern diners while paying tribute to the timeless appeal of neighborhood taverns.
The restaurant’s opening will add another notable destination to one of Manhattan’s most competitive dining neighborhoods, offering residents and visitors alike a fresh take on classic American comfort food.
Key Takeaways
Keepers is set to open in New York City’s West Village on July 7, bringing together the hospitality teams behind Zero Bond, White Horse Tavern, and Dandelion. The neighborhood-inspired restaurant will specialize in Jersey-style bar pies, creative comfort food, and craft cocktails within a nostalgic tavern setting. With experienced restaurateurs leading the project and a menu designed to balance tradition with innovation, Keepers aims to become a welcoming destination for both locals and visitors.
FAQs
What is Keepers?
Keepers is a new neighborhood pizza restaurant opening in New York City’s West Village, specializing in Jersey-style bar pies, comfort food, and craft cocktails.
Who is behind Keepers?
The restaurant was created by hospitality professionals behind Zero Bond, White Horse Tavern, and Dandelion, including Eytan Sugarman, Will Makris, Emily Pires, and Elena Hristu.
When does Keepers open?
Keepers is scheduled to open on July 7, 2026.
What type of pizza will Keepers serve?
The restaurant will focus on thin-crust Jersey-style bar pies alongside a variety of specialty pizza creations.
What else is on the menu?
In addition to pizza, guests can enjoy appetizers, salads, wings, dessert pies, craft cocktails, beer, wine, and seasonal frozen drinks.
Published by HOLR Magazine