New York City: Sardi's (xxxx)

Sardi's is best known for the hundreds of caricatures of show-business celebrities that adorn its walls, Sardi's opened at its current location in 1927. When business slowed, Vincent Sardi sought a gimmick to attract customers. Recalling the movie star caricatures that decorated the walls of Joe Zelli’s, a Parisian restaurant and jazz club, Sardi decided to recreate that effect in his establishment. He hired a Russian refugee to draw Broadway celebrities. Sardi and Gard drew up a contract that stated Gard would make the caricatures in exchange for one meal per day at the restaurant. The restaurant is considered a Broadway institution.