The Lease Will Soon Expire at Michael Schlow’s Fine Dining Flagship, Radius

Last month, we told you that local bigwig chef Michael Schlow was to close Happy’s in Fenway and reconcept it as Barrio Cantina, a Mexican-themed spot, which opened its doors last week. Now, there appears to be another challenge for the toque—Radius, the chef’s longtime fine-dining Financial District flagship (and home to a seriously good burger) is currently for sale, according to an email in our possession from a Cushman & Wakefield realtor (which we were forwarded from an industry source who asked to remain anonymous). Per the email, the lease for the space is expiring and is being shopped around to potential future tenants.

While it’s a hugely significant closing (and comes on the heels of a recent announcement via Eater Boston that Frank McClelland’s Back Bay stalwart Sel de la Terre has closed as well), we have to admit that it’s less than shocking. The Financial District has lost a lot of its high-profile companies (Radius’  bread and butter clientele) in recent years, and with new restaurants opening each week that offer ambitious, interesting food with (typically) lower price points and with more intimate, energetic ambiance (read: Puritan & Co., West Bridge, Giulia, and Asta, to name a few) it’s become an adapt-or-die period for older, more-established restaurants looking to compete. In terms of a timeline (and Schlow’s future plans), we’ll keep you posted as we learn more.

Update: Schlow reached out with the following statement:  “The restaurant is not for sale and is off to a great start in 2013. Our current extension is up this year and we are exploring all options for the restaurant.”

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