The story of Donna, a popular cocktail bar in Williamsburg, is both familiar and unique. It is familiar in that like so many restaurants of the last few years Donna was a victim of COVID, closing its doors in December of 2020.
Where the story takes a novel turn is in its future. Owner Leif Huckman has announced that Donna will reopen, this time in the West Village. But what will really set Donna 2.0 apart from most of its competitors going forward is its business model.
Huckman has intimated that he plans to transfer his ownership to his loyal employees. He himself will remain in the picture but only as a consultant.
The menu will continue to focus on pan-Latin fare, presented both as small plates — such as a bean and cheese pupusa with sesame and cabbage and a braised chicken tostada with watermelon and radish — and shareables: Witness a braised pork shoulder with za’atar and roasted cabbage.
The restaurant is scheduled to open sometime this month.
Donna, 7 Cornelia Street, near Sixth Ave.
