Happy Corner Hospitality, the operating company behind the culinary concept Motek, has signed a lease in Manhattan's NoMad district for an expansion of its restaurant portfolio. The new restaurant, to be named Yalla Motek, will lease a 2,500 square foot space in the building at 1147 Broadway, owned by David and Jack Israel. This marks Yalla Motek's first outpost in New York City and its second in the USA, following the opening of a location in Aventura, Florida, in 2022.
The exact rent, the duration of the lease, and the brokers involved were not disclosed by Happy Corner Hospitality at this time. According to a CBRE report, the average retail rent along the nearby Broadway retail corridor between 14th and 23rd Streets averaged $371 per square foot in the second quarter of 2026.
Strategic Expansion in New York
Charlie Levy, founder of Happy Corner Hospitality, commented on the choice of location: "We always knew New York was the right city to truly launch the brand. Its energy, diversity, and fast pace make it the perfect choice." Levy emphasised that this is just the beginning of their expansion plans. The company plans a total of five locations in New York and aims to expand to 20 branches within the next three years to bring its passion for Mediterranean street food to a wider audience.
The parent concept Motek itself already operates four locations in New York City. The most recent lease was concluded in November 2025 for the space at 184 Bleecker Street in Greenwich Village. Carolina Aziz of KSR represented both the Israel owner family and Motek in previous transactions, including the negotiations for Motek at the 184 Bleecker location. A request for comment from her initially went unanswered.
Culinary Concept
Motek has made a name for itself by offering Mediterranean street food dishes prepared with wholesome ingredients and free from seed oils. This culinary profile is expected to continue with Yalla Motek and underscore its expansion into Manhattan. The opening in NoMad is considered a significant step in the company's growth strategy.
- —Address: 1147 Broadway, NoMad, New York City
- —Area: 2,500 square feet
- —Owners: David and Jack Israel
- —Concept: Yalla Motek (Mediterranean street food)
