Av and Dav’s Maléna sold to mystery buyer

Earlier today, we found out that Maléna, the Ionian and then Italian restaurant owned by Sam Kalogiros and David Minicucci, has been sold. Kalogiros and Minicucci, who also own the nearby L’Unità, opened Maléna in 2010, and in the ensuing two years, the restaurant saw its fair share of musical chairs in the head chef department. A spokesperson for the restaurateurs told us the new owners wish to remain anonymous, but offered that it was they who approached Kalogiros and Minicucci about taking over the Yorkville-adjacent location (apparently they were very anxious to move into the area, which has seen a lot of development of late). The buyers expect to reopen the restaurant under a new name and concept in October. Maléna’s final service will take place this Saturday.