Roberta’s Alums Opening Full Service Restaurant in Industry City

Photo: Andrew Bui

Industry City is getting a serious culinary upgrade as best friends and former Roberta’s chefs Brendan Kelley and Daniel Grossman debut Confidant, the first full-service restaurant in the waterfront complex.

The duo, who first met as Chef de Cuisine and Executive Sous Chef at Roberta’s, have cooked in some of NYC’s top kitchens—Per Se, Aska, Gage & Tollner, and Foul Witch. Now, they’re bringing their expertise to a menu packed with bold, inventive flavors to Industry City as their first joint venture.

Photo: Andrew Bui

Highlights include the Tuna Prosciutto, Montauk bigeye tuna salted, cured, and dry-aged in-house; Prawn Pot Pie, a made-to-order prawn bisque with seasonal vegetables; and Whole Crown of Duck (top), dry-aged for up to two weeks and topped with brown rice vinegar agrodolce, served alongside a duck leg confit salad with raw parsnips, cabbage, and a hazelnut vinaigrette.

Photo: Charlie Chalkin

Shareables include Potato and Apple with lightly steamed potatoes and apples presented in bite-sized pieces, topped with horseradish soubise and leek oil. If you're looking to go big there's a 70-day Dry Aged Steak, sourced from Industry City butcher Ends Meat. It is seasoned with togarashi and black pepper, served with compound butter and a whole head of confit garlic.

Photo: Charlie Chalkin

The all-natural wine and cocktail list, curated by Beverage Director Cody Pruitt, owner of West Village French bistro Libertine, pairs well with the restaurant’s eclectic flavors. The Manhattan gets an upgrade with ume whiskey and cacao, while the Flatliner Espresso Martini nods to Kelley’s hometown of Telluride with Fort Hamilton Distillery vodka, cold brew and cacao.

Designed by the ownership team, the space blends natural and industrial aesthetics, with a 65-seat dining room, bar, and chef’s counter, plus outdoor courtyard seating when the weather allows.

Photo: Lucas Goldman

Joining Kelley and Grossman are pastry chef Mariah Neston (Le Rock, Major Food Group) and industry vets Eli and Henry Goldman of Secret Garden Hospitality Group. Expect hyper-seasonal desserts, craveable breads, and in a few months, a daytime menu featuring pastries, sandwiches, and salads.

Confidant officially opens for dinner in Industry City [67 35th Street, Building #5]. Reservations are available on Resy. Follow @confidant.bk for updates