Harold Seltzer is back to sell the sizzle

When Harold Seltzer sold his restaurants in 2004, he didn't think he would reacquire them some years later.

Last May, Sam Seltzer's Steakhouse unceremoniously shut its doors after two years in Chapter 11 bankruptcy under its late owner, leaving lenders $11 million in the hole and 300 people jobless. Harold decided to come back to the restaurant business in order to restore his family's name, re-opening the doors last October and putting over 150 people back to work (many of whom were people Harold originally hired).

There have been some obstacles. In the beginning, for one, the establishment anticipated higher sales.

"We could always be more busy. The economy is just so terrible that people are reluctant to part with their money," Harold said. "We also have had to face the challenge of resolving any confusion resulting from the change in the restaurant’s name and phone numbers."

This article appears in Jun 23-29, 2011.