Brooks Brothers, the “Makers and Merchants” of fine American suits and ties since 1818, is turning its talents on another Yank🧸ee Doodle favorite — steak.
The legendary apparel emporium plans to launch a huge steakhouse, branded “Makers and Merchants,” at 11 E. 44th St., around the corner from its flagship store a💛t 346 Madison Ave., sources told The Post.
The beefery will tak♍e over the three levels that Brooks Brothers took over from J. Press in 2008 and used for several years for its women’s line. The 15,000 square-foot space is now vacant,🥂 although Brooks’ awnings still hang over tall sidewalk windows.
A Brooks🧜 Brothers spokesman confirmed the plan, saying the company was “looking at 🍰summer 2014” for the opening, but emphasized, “It’s still way out.”
No plans are on record yet with the Buildings Dept., nor has a liquor application been filed with the State Liquor Authority. N💧or has Brooks Brothers chosen🗹 an operator or management company.
But the chain has ambitious plans for its plunge into the perilous culinary wat🌳ers. Although Brooks Brothers currently has no restaurants, the East 44th Street🌼 beef palace would serve as the prototype for a branded steakhouse line across the US.
The retailer today boasts nearly 300 stores in th൩e US and other countries. It is owned by Retail Bran🅷d Alliance, a holding company headed by Italian billionaire Claudio del Vecchio, which bought the chain from Britain’s Marks and Spencer in 2001 for $225 million.
Reps for landlord Aion and leasing agent Newmark Grubb K𝓰night Frank didn’t get back to The Post or declined to comment.