Windows Owner Wants to Rebuild

Windows on the World co-owner David Emil wants to find a way to rebuild his world-famous restaurant. "We're not going to give up," Emil told Crain's New York Business. "I believe that Windows should reopen, but how that will happen and how long that will be from now is too early to tell." He also said he is hopeful for the families of the 80 restaurant employees (of 500 total) who are believed to be missing, in addition to 114 guests who were attending a financial technology conference held by London-based Risk Waters Group. And he's looking for jobs for the restaurant's now-unemployed workers.

The landmark 50,000-square-foot complex opened on the top of the north tower of the World Trade Center in 1976, and garnered sales of almost $14 million in its first year. Windows underwent a $25 million revamp after the 1993 WTC bombing, and last year had revenues of $37.5 million, making it the highest-grossing restaurant in America. According to Emil, the restaurant's lease had 21 years left.

Posted 09.20.01

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