New York Real Estate Journal

RTL represents Santa Chiara Caffe in expansion to Brooklyn

August 26, 2025 - Brokerage
Thomas Galo

Brooklyn, NY RTL has represented Santa Chiara Caffe in lease negotiations for the brand’s first Brooklyn location. Located at 227 West Street in Greenpoint, the 10-year lease secures a second home for the popular Italian café following the success of its Long Island City location and sister restaurant, Terrone.

“We love what we’ve built in LIC, and couldn’t be more excited to bring our vision to Brooklyn,” said Cristiano Rossi, owner at Santa Chiara Caffe. “Greenpoint has a vibe and energy that really fits with who we are. Santa Chiara is founded on the concept of fresh gelato of all types, including spiked gelato with 4.99% alcohol. We’re looking forward to welcoming new faces and making Santa Chiara part of the community.”

Set along the Greenpoint waterfront, the new café will bring Santa Chiara’s refined take on Italian coffee culture to a vibrant and fast-growing neighborhood. The brand has earned a loyal following at its LIC location, offering expertly crafted espresso, pastries, and savory fare in a setting that blends European style with NYC spirit. The move comes amid growing demand for thoughtfully designed local eateries that bring a sense of place and personality to the neighborhoods they serve — a trend underscored in REBNY’s 2024 Brooklyn Retail Report, which found that food and beverage remains the most active and consistent retail sector across the borough.

“Santa Chiara was looking for a location that aligned with their brand and growth goals, and 227 West Street offered the perfect combination of visibility and space to support their next chapter,” said Thomas Galo, executive vice president and partner at RTL. “It’s rewarding to help a local favorite grow in a way that stays true to the experience their customers already love.”

Thomas Galo of RTL represented the tenant in negotiating the lease. Ryan Schimel of Capricorn Retail Advisors represented the landlord, Brookfield Properties.