Charles Guenancia and Leila Colbert are following in their father’s footsteps by launching Cubby’s, marking a new chapter in their family’s culinary journey in Hell’s Kitchen. The siblings grew up in the restaurant industry waiting tables at Cafe Un Deux Trois, their father’s restaurant and a Times Square favorite with actors, politicians, directors, locals and tourists since 1977.
“We are restaurant children continuing the legacy,” said Leila. “Growing up, food was the way we always came together and shared love with each other, and it’s just been a thing that is such a staple in our life.”
On Cubby’s menu, you’ll find options like burgers, onion rings, ice cream, coffee, and milkshakes. Charles described their menu as “nice and simple.” The specialty of the menu is the Cub’s Pub which has melty cheese, caramelized onions and a sauce blend that Charles says “brings everything together really nice.”
Charles and Leila decided to open Cubby’s after sensing a void they felt they could fill in Hell’s Kitchen. The eatery opened just last week in the space previously occupied by Laly Restaurant, which closed during the pandemic, but has been in the works for about three years.
“Hell’s Kitchen was missing something, especially on 10th Avenue,” said Leila. “We wanted to have kind of like a little parlor ice cream and milkshakes and burgers. Simple grab-and-go stuff, just for the people of the community.”
Charles and Leila have both lived in Hell’s Kitchen for the past 10 years and are hoping to use their restaurant as a means of connecting with the neighborhood at large and forging a relationship with the community.
“I think the real uniqueness here is the fact that we own and operate it and we all live around the block,” said Leila. “We see our neighbors here every day and we’re trying to make those connections with people and share memories and experiences about the neighborhood in the past and the present and establishing ourselves as like a place where people can kind of come together.”
“We’re in the process of planning our grand opening party for the neighborhood and hopefully partnering with some local community members,” said Charles. “We want to stay very driven and to be community-oriented.”
Cubby’s is located at 630 10th Avenue between W44th & W45th Street. The restaurant is open seven days a week, from 12-8pm, and offers both indoor and outdoor dining options.
CORRECTION: The owner’s name is Charles Guenancia, not Colbert. This has been corrected from an earlier version of the story.
We are so proud of our children
Leila, a licensed architect created a beautifully designed clean space and Charles’ degree and knowledge of the restaurant business is sure to spell success
They done good
It’s a shame that it is not accessible.
This is my idea of a wonderful neighbourly eatery. Two gorgeous young siblings working together to bring simple great food to their community. All with a beaming smile and warm welcome. Well done 👍🏼
D. we have a ramp available to provide access into the space. The door and space is ADA compliant. We welcome everyone!
That may be technically correct and good.
But waiting, especially in bad weather, for staff to notice, then to find the ramp, and then to safely set the ramp up is not anything a disabled person wants to experience.
Not having an obstacle that requires a ramp is better and more inviting.
Great burgers, onion rings and friendly service. Can’t wait to go back and try their shakes!