Get Aussie Fare, Models at Nick Mathers' New West Village Restaurant

Ruby Café on Mulberry Street is getting a sibling.

Australian-born entrepreneur Nick Mathers has closed on a 3,000-square-foot space at 121 West 10^th Street, according to broker Steven Kamali. Mr. Mathers, who opened the Aussie-inspired Ruby Café four years ago at 219 Mulberry Street, will open Little Ruby’s, a high-end restaurant on the ground floor in late-August, and plans on opening a lounge in the basement in November.

Mr. Kamali, who recently sold the building that housed the much-maligned Libation on the Lower East Side, would not disclose what the restraunteur will be paying in rent. However, he did note that the going rent in the neighborhood for similar places was approximately $125 per square foot.

The 29-year-old Mathers explained that he chose the location because of its surroundings.

“It is just an amazing setting for a restaurant,” Mr. Mathers said. “It really doesn't feel like you are in the middle of a big city.”

While the real estate might be attractive, it sounds like it may have some competition from the clientele when Little Ruby’s opens its doors.

“Nick and all his friends are really good-looking guys,” a source told The Observer. “They literally have this following of models that seeks out their new places.”