By Olivia Scheck
DNAinfo Reporter/Producer
MANHATTAN — A newly opened Midtown bistro is accusing the landmark eatery Gotham Bar and Grill of "culinary bullying," after being forced to change their name two days before their scheduled debut.
G-50, located at 208 East 50th St. near Third Avenue was planning to open on Saturday under the name "Gotham 50."
But, just two days before the restaurant was to begin serving up lamb shank Osso Buco and eggplant parmigiana, the legendary East Village restaurant Gotham Bar and Grill filed a motion demanding that they abandon the moniker, according to a statement released by G-50.
A judge ultimately upheld the motion and the proprietors of the new restaurant were forced to replace all of the menus and signage in time for the opening, a spokeswoman said.
"The result of this unfortunate case of culinary bullying and rushed injustice is that Gotham 50 has been forced to change their name and will now be known as G-50 Bar & Grill," the restaurant said in a statement.
"[We are] very disappointed by the decision," owner Joe DeGrezia added in the statement."I just don’t understand what they are so threatened of."
Gotham Bar and Grill did not return a call for comment.
