Developer Eric Blumenfeld, who got the keys to the Divine Lorraine Hotel today, says he and Marc Vetri are discussing a restaurant deal at the North Broad landmark, which Blumenfeld is renovating.
Vetri's Osteria and Alla Spina are in Blumenfeld buildings nearby.
Recall that Blumenfeld reached out to restaurateur Jose Garces in August, and Garces told me that he was interested in touring the Divine Lorraine. (A "no comment" from Garces today.)
Contacted today, Vetri said: "We are certainly in the mix, but nothing is signed. I want to focus on what's next."
Vetri's next is an Osteria location planned for Moorestown Mall. It's in design phase and is at least nine months out, Vetri said.
As for this town's biggest restaurant player, Stephen Starr - whose Route 6 is a Blumenfeld tenant - said Blumenfeld had not approached him to open at the Divine Lorraine.