A New York Steakhouse Boosted Seating Arrangements Using Madame Tussauds Wax Sculptures

Following the state's announcement allowing restaurants to function at 35% capacity, several legendary New York figures made an appearance at Peter Luger Steak House last week. While these distinguished guests seemed delighted to be indoors, they remained motionless and didn’t partake in any meals.

According to Reuters, the famous faces were wax replicas from Madame Tussauds, strategically placed to fill the space as real patrons enjoyed their steaks. Al Roker was stationed near the staircase, cheerfully directing guests upstairs, while Jimmy Fallon sat solo, savoring tea and cheesecake.

Among the attendees were a few legendary New York personalities: Audrey Hepburn, portraying Breakfast at Tiffany’s Holly Golightly, was seated at a table, adorned in her signature black cocktail dress and pearls. Meanwhile, Jon Hamm’s Mad Men character, Don Draper, stood near the bar, one hand tucked into his tailored trousers and the other holding a glass of whiskey.

The steakhouse is also a celebrated New York landmark. Situated in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, it started in 1887 as “Carl Luger’s Café, Billiards and Bowling Alley,” operated by Carl and owned by his uncle Peter. Initially a local hangout, it transformed into a popular destination for Manhattan’s business elite after the opening of the Williamsburg Bridge in 1903. Sol Forman, who founded a family-run metalware factory nearby, acquired the restaurant in 1950. Forman was known to eat at least one steak daily, and his wife, Marsha, took charge of selecting the finest beef from the Meatpacking District. Marsha passed away in 1998, followed by Sol in 2001, but their family continues to oversee the restaurant’s operations.

“The restaurant sector plays a crucial role in New York City’s economy and has faced significant challenges over the past year,” stated Daniel Turtel, vice president of Peter Luger, in a press release. “We’re thrilled to reopen indoor dining at 35 percent capacity and wanted to create a fun, safe way to occupy seats that must remain vacant as we navigate the ongoing pandemic.”

The wax figures were removed from the steakhouse after March 1, but visitors can still see them at Madame Tussauds, which is currently operating with limited capacity.