LaBel’s Role in Creating a World-Class Culinary Experience at The Summit, One Vanderbilt

brad2281
Jun 1, 2023
2 min read

Updated: Aug 2

The Summit at One Vanderbilt isn't just one of Manhattan's tallest and most iconic skyscrapers; it's a destination. Standing 1,401 feet tall and towering above Midtown, this 93-story marvel boasts 1.6 million square feet of premium office and retail space. But what truly elevates this space, literally and figuratively, is the culinary experience atop its observation deck, where LaBel Foodservice played a key role.

People in a modern lounge enjoy drinks, chat, and use devices. Floor-to-ceiling windows showcase a city sunset view. Cozy, social atmosphere.

A Landmark in Design, Engineering, and Dining

The Observation Deck at One Vanderbilt is a cultural phenomenon and engineering triumph. Its sweeping, unobstructed views of New York City from the top three floors have drawn global attention. Yet one of the most ambitious challenges faced by developer SL Green was transforming the raw, high-altitude space into a fully operational, cutting-edge food and beverage destination.

From Vision to Reality: Culinary Engineering at Altitude

LaBel Foodservice Equipment & Design was brought on board to bring this vision to life. Known for its excellence in commercial kitchen and bar design, LaBel stepped in to convert the raw architectural space into a high-performance culinary hub while meeting modern sustainability and aesthetics demands.

What We Delivered:

Strategic F&B Layouts for indoor lounges, exterior carts, and rooftop service zones
Sustainability-Focused Equipment Recommendation vetted by the architecture firm Snøhetta
Real-Time Construction Oversight to ensure seamless integration and on-time completion
Support Documents for Operator Decision-Making on in-house vs. outsourced foodservice

Collaboration with Industry Giants

LaBel's strategic documentation helped SL Green weigh their operations strategy. When Union Square Hospitality Group (USHG) was selected as the operating partner, LaBel worked side-by-side with USHG throughout the design and construction phases. The result? A culinary environment ready for peak demand, delivered with elegance and efficiency.

Culinary Spotlight: Le Pavillon

In addition to the breathtaking views, One Vanderbilt also boasts a signature street-level dining experience with Le Pavillon by Chef Daniel Boulud, a swank seafood restaurant that now defines high-end Midtown dining. This anchors the building's F&B strategy and enhances the complete SDummit experience.

Designed for Experience. Built for Longevity.

Over a 2.5-year journey, LaBel's team helped shape the hospitality narrative of One Vanderbilt. The project's completion in October 2021, as part of a $3.1B development, is a testament to LaBel's ability to lead at the intersection of design, engineering, and innovation.

More Than Just a Kitchen

From elevated food carts to full-service kitchens, LaBel's design contributions to The Summit are not just functional; they're foundational to the building's identity. With precision, collaboration, and a commitment to sustainability, LaBel helped create one of NYC's most talked-about culinary destinations