Who’s the Silent Celeb Partner at 18 Bedford Avenue?

Formerly Theresa’s Hair Salon, the distinctive triangular building at 18 Bedford Avenue (and Lorimer Street, across from McCarren Park) was (is?) recently on the market for $2.6 million. New York magazine noted back in November that Dumont bartender/waiter Jud Longell and a “silent partner” had hired designer John McCormick to trick out a new bistro at the location—the vibe somewhere between “sunken transport ferry” and “English butcher shop.” Progress may be observed in the Flickr photo at left, taken in February. Apparently Longell is still talking the place up, as he related to a BlackBook operative that the silent partner is in fact a “well-known celebrity.” He refused to spill details when pressed, though he did admit that the new restaurant would be “similar to Dumont.” Though the resto is planned to open with only the small front space, they hope to expand into the adjacent “old man bar” at the first opportunity. Developing.