Iconic Palm Beach restaurant Ta-boó — a favorite of socialites and stars like Celine Dion and Bon Jovi, as well as the late Bea Arthur and Frank Sinatra — could be forced out of business.
In 2021, the building on the ritzy Worth Avenue was taken over by new owners.
Now Page Six hears the storied spot, which has operated for 80 years, has been slapped with an eviction notice.
We hear that Ta-boó’s owners want to sign a new lease. But a rep for the building’s owners, 219 Worth Ave Holdings, LLC, tells us, “We are excited to have executed a lease with a new tenant with plans to renovate and refresh the [space].”
According to documentation seen by Page Six the restaurant, owned by Franklyn de Marco, offered to pay $600,000 in annual rent and pay up to $5 million to rebuild and renovate the property in return for a 15 year lease.
It’s unclear what would replace the restaurant. A source tells Page Six that the neighborhood staple, which also counts Howard Stern, Susan Lucci, and Rod Stewart as customers, may be replaced with a watch store, but other sources say it could be home to a new restaurant.
Meanwhile, Worth Avenue Association President Greg Beletsky is protesting the move. Beletsky sent a letter to town mayor, Danielle H. Moore and town council members claiming that Ta-boó is a “significant part of the history” of the area.
“It would be tragic to have this historic jewel expunged from the charm that weaves Palm Beach’s past with the present,” says the letter. “As you are aware, the beauty and appeal of residents dining in the town’s historic venues is a tradition that Palm Beach families have had for generations.”
The spot employee 75 people. They’d be jobless if the restaurant closes.
We hear Ta-boo is seeking legal recourse.