2024 STATE OF THE TAVERN

Expand to See Video Transcript Dear friends, All of us at Pete’s Tavern are deeply grateful to our loyal customers who supported us throughout 2023. The past year was remarkable in so many ways. As the second year after the pandemic, it marked the return of many guests who had not visited since 2019. We estimate that we hosted more than 100,000 unique visitors last year. You came from near and far, supporting us with your patronage and by sharing the magic of O. Henry with friends and family. A Year of Recognition & Community Support We were truly humbled by the level of media coverage and engagement across our social media platforms, website, and email newsletters throughout 2023. Highlights included: A mention in a Jeopardy! question A standout review by Time Out New York The launch event for The Donor with Marlo Thomas, George Stephanopoulos, Ali Wentworth, and Al Roker A live broadcast from Pete’s Tavern by Tokyo Broadcasting, featuring us as a centerpiece of the New York holiday experience We were proud to host many civic leaders, artists, writers, actors, athletes, television personalities, and other public figures throughout the year. There was always a buzz in the Tavern when you stopped by. Improvements & Preservation During 2023, we worked hard to improve and preserve your favorite Tavern. Enhancements were made throughout the restaurant, including the kitchen and outdoor dining areas. Our winter heated tents were transformed into light, airy outdoor dining spaces in the spring. The Polar Bear Club remained proudly on display all year long. Food Program Highlights We continued refining our comfort food, sourcing the highest-quality meats, poultry, fish, and produce. While preserving Pete’s classic favorites, we also introduced new dishes. Notably, we debuted the Gramercy Burger, an 8 oz custom blend of short rib and chuck. While our traditional 10 oz hamburger remains a perennial bestseller, it graciously shared top billing with its new sibling in 2023. Additional new menu items included: Ahi tuna tartare with sushi-grade tuna Cauliflower steak Burrata and heirloom tomato pizza Seasonal specialties such as mussels and frites A new and improved lobster roll Beverage Program Expansion Our beverage program saw continued growth in 2023. On tap, we introduced new beers including Italian pilsners, Founders Porter, and Spaten Lager. Our top-shelf liquor offerings expanded to include new bourbons, whiskies, and tequilas. Popular wine and Champagne additions included Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc, Hampton Water Rosé, Justin Cabernet Sauvignon, and select aged French Burgundies — offering exceptional value. Cocktails Winter brought warm favorites such as: The Gift of the Magi, a hot buttered rum House mulled wine Bourbon maple apple cider Our hot toddies and Irish coffees remained available year-round. In March, we introduced Irish-inspired cocktails for St. Patrick’s Day and March Madness. Spring and summer favorites included the Raspberry Spritz and our signature Strawberry Mint Mojito, made with a house-crafted syrup aged for over two months. Pete’s Frozen cocktails were also a hit, especially the Frozen Aperol Spritz and Strawberry Mint Margarita. We continue surveying the market to bring you new and exciting drinking experiences in 2024. 2023 Awards: Best of Pete’s In the spirit of award season, we celebrated our top performers of 2023: Best-Selling Cocktail: Espresso Martini Best-Selling Appetizer: Steak Bites Best-Selling Entrée: Chicken Parmesan Best-Selling Kitchen Item: Gramercy Burger Best-Selling Beer: Guinness Best-Selling Wine (Glass): Pinot Grigio Best-Selling Wine (Bottle): Pinot Noir Rookie of the Year (Food): Gramercy Burger Rookie of the Year (Drink): Ski House Congratulations to all our winners. History, Art & The 1864 Project At Booth Three in the barroom, we restored and reframed O. Henry’s original letters, thanks to the generous help of our neighbor Michael Gerbino. Pete’s Tavern remains O. Henry’s spiritual home, where his life and work are preserved and celebrated. As in past years, we sponsored a public reading of The Gift of the Magi, performed by renowned actor Kevin Frey. In 2023, we officially launched the 1864 Project, dedicated to collecting stories, photos, letters, and memorabilia from Pete’s rich history. Thanks to your contributions, we have begun sharing these treasures through newsletters and in-tavern displays. Art at Pete’s Pete’s has long inspired artists. In 2023, we unveiled Snowy Day at Pete’s by award-winning local artist Barbara Cordan, known for her New York City streetscapes. We loved the painting so much that we produced a limited number of signed, high-quality giclée prints, available for purchase through your server. Decorations & Holiday Spirit Looking back on 2023, what stands out most is how much fun we had serving you. We went all out on holiday decorations, introducing a new character to our festive family: Mr. Frosty. We decorated every space — curbside tents, the Polar Bear Club, dining rooms, the Speakeasy, the exterior of our historic building, and the barroom, where a record number of drinks were enjoyed under the iconic red lights. As the holidays ended, it was comforting to return to Pete’s natural state — warm, familiar, and timeless. Looking Ahead to 2024 As we plan for 2024, we continually ask how we can improve your experience so you always look forward to your next visit. Here’s a preview of what’s ahead: New dishes and refinements to existing favorites New and interesting liquors, plus innovative cocktails Regularly refreshed tap beer selections More shareable menu options Bigger and bolder holiday decorations A redesigned patio for heated winter enjoyment New food and beverage events in the Speakeasy Room Celebrating 160 Years In September 2024, we will proudly celebrate our 160th anniversary with festivities throughout the month. We recognize that such longevity is rare and deeply meaningful. We will also refresh our lower level, improve restrooms, maintain fixtures and furnishings, enhance staff training, negotiate carefully with suppliers to avoid price increases, and continue being a good neighbor. As we begin 2024, we are pleased to report that the state of our Tavern is strong. Closing Thank you for your continued support. We look forward to welcoming you back to Pete’s Tavern throughout the year. Please share inquiries, suggestions, or Pete’s memories at marketing@petestavern.com . May God bless the United States of America, the City of New York, and Pete’s Tavern.