And Now This: T.G.I. Friday's Comes to Union Square

We’ve been scoping that desolate-looking storefront vacated by Zen Palate on Union Square East for a while, wondering what was up.

Now it can be told! The Riese Organization has just purchased 34 Union Square with plans to stuff it full of cheese, deep-fry it and serve it with a zingy dipping sauce open a T.G.I. Friday’s in the space. Best part, eagle-spied by the appalled citizenry at Eater: “'While many chefs in the district purchase food from the popular green market there, T.G.I. Friday's will not join them,' says Mr. Riese. 'We are not that type of restaurant,' he acknowledges." You don't say?

Bonus! They’ll manage to cram a Tim Horton’s into the spot, too. Full details here.