Robert Colombo’s Primo’s Deal is on Shaky Ground

On June 15, I reported Robert Colombo’s “deal” to “buy” Primo’s. It was a complicated transaction that essentially made Colombo a partner in the restaurant which is owned by Phil Lacerte and Frank Linero. Colombo and crew were brought in to freshen the place up and manage the restaurant. Colombo hired Tony Porcaro, the former general manager at Nick& Sam’s and Bella Restaurant, to perform the same duties at Primo’s.

Porcaro is out and Colombo may be right behind him. The deal has never been formerly inked. At least that is what Colombo is saying. “We are going through difficult negotiations,” Colombo said. “We aren’t sure if it will be finalized but its been a good experience. We had the basics finalized. They aren’t restaurant guys and they brought us in to do renovations. But they’ve been in Aspen and the Bahamas so we didn’t get it executed.”

I asked Colombo what his official position at Primo’s is at this time. Is he still observing the restaurant’s operations? “Gee, I don’t have a definitive answer to it,” Colombo said. “We never did day-to-day or controlled the bank accounts. I’d say I’m actively negotiating and not technically a partner.” Colombo runs La Reve group which owns Villa-O and Sfuzzi’s. He recently closed Trece.