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Capsouto, awarded 2003 Phoenix Award in DC in Sept
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Co-owner of one of downtown's landmark eateries and a founding director of the Tribeca Organization, Albert Capsouto has been an active and influential member of the Lower Manhattan community for more than 20 years.
Born in Egypt, Capsouto lived in Lyon, France, for five years before his parents relocated the family to New York City in 1961. He graduated from Stuyvesant High School and earned a degree in engineering and architecture from Yale University in 1977.
Exposed to French culture and cuisine at an early age, Albert and older brothers Jacques and Samuel drew on that experience when they opened Capsouto Frères, one of Tribeca's premier French restaurants, in 1980.
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| Capsouto with brother Jacques (left) and SBA area director William Leggiero, Jr. (center) |
Throughout the restaurant's 23-year history, Capsouto had always been actively involved in the Tribeca small-business community. After the World Trade Center attacks in 2001, Capsouto Frères participated in the recovery efforts, opening to provide neighbors, firefighters, rescue workers, police officers, and others with free meals and a place for respite.
Like many other small businesses, Capsouto Frères faced financial challenges of its own following the attacks. It was in the weeks following 9/11 that Capsouto emerged as one of the most prominent voices in the rebuilding process, advocating that the needs of small business were critical to the area's successful recovery.
Determined to make Lower Manhattan a viable community for small businesses, Capsouto became involved in array of events downtown speaking up for businesses and community residents alike. "Lower Manhattan is a place for people and it is important to keep life down here," Capsouto told LowerManhattan.info. "Something great can happen downtown again."
Already a longtime member of Manhattan's Community Board 1, Capsouto helped establish the Tribeca Organization, a community group that endeavors to restore the area's economy, quality of life, and culture since the 9/11 attacks.
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| Capsouto accepting SBA award at DC celebration |
Capsouto was recently recognized by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), which awarded him the 2003 Phoenix Award for Small Business Economic Injury Recovery for his dedication to the rebuilding of Lower Manhattan. The national award, presented to a business that best exemplifies resilience and perseverance in overcoming the debilitating effects of a disaster, was announced during the SBA's 50th anniversary celebration in Washington, D.C., on September 19, 2003.
Capsouto has also been applauded by the New York City Council for his work throughout the downtown community and was recently appointed to the LMDC Restaurant, Retailers and Small Business Advisory Council.
A small business advocate before and after 9/11, Capsouto's commitment to the community is an ongoing one. He can be found at a variety of community meetings and events, to say nothing of Capsouto Frères, which has been recognized by the Zagat Guide as one of New Yorkers' Top 50 favorite restaurants. Capsouto Frères is located at 451 Washington Street; for more information about the restaurant please visit www.capsoutofreres.com or call (212) 966-4900.
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