Still 'Social' spot on Lenox Ave.

Still 'Social' spot on Lenox Ave.

Christie M Farriella for Daily News

Owner Anahi Angelone (L) with Partner and Executive Chef Jonathan Romans (R) at the Corner Social bar and restaurant located at 321 Lenox Ave. in Harlem. 

It's b arely one month old, but Lenox Ave.s newest restaurant is already on its second name. No matter what you call the place, its partners say theyre all about serving Harlem and working with their neighbors.

The restaurant, formerly known as Lenox Social on Lenox Ave. and W. 126th St., is now Corner Social.

The name change comes after an employee from historic Harlem jazz club Lenox Lounge visited the newly opened restaurant and informed the owners of a possible trademark infringement.

Owner Anahi Angelone, 31, said she decided on Lenox Social because Lenox said Harlem without saying Harlem.

Last week, the name on the facade was changed, the owner said, to avoid any conflict with Lenox Lounge, located just a block away on the same bustling avenue.

Its not about the name, said Angelone, who lives a half-block away from her restaurant. I didnt want to start the business with bad energy. We dont want trouble. We want to be okay with everyone in the neighborhood. Thats behind us.

The restaurant opened quietly, on March 17, in an area already known for its cuisine.

Marcus Samuelssons Red Rooster and soul food restaurant Sylvias are located across the street.

Lenox Lounge owner Al Reed told the Daily News he didnt have a problem with the original name of the new restaurant, and said it was his manager who brought up the trademark concerns.

Thats not my style. I didnt even ask my lawyer about it. It dont bother me at all, said Reed, adding that he wasnt aware of his managers actions.

The 72-year-old said he welcomed the new restaurant on Lenox Ave., which he recalled being one of the worst avenues in Harlem.

Im a Harlem person, said Reed, who is facing tough times at his own business. I remember when people came to Harlem for the nightlife. We need to get that vibe back.

Reed is facing a rent hike and the prospect of closing his club, The News reported last mon th. His rent is being increased to $ 20,000 a month, and he cant afford it.

Aside from the visit from the Lenox Lounge manager, Corner Social chef Jonathan Romans, 31, said hes already met with chefs from both Sylvias and the Red Rooster who have welcomed them to the block.

Theyve even offered to share sugar and flour with one another in times of need, he said.

Romans, who lives in East Harlem, said theyre also working with the local community.

The bread comes from Hot Bread Kitchen, a nonprofit thats located in the East Harlem marketplace La Marqueta. Some of their cakes come from Tonnies Minis, also on Lenox Ave., and theyre working with Harlem students who have started a garden where items will end up in the meals, Romans said.

In addition, 95 of their workers are from Harlem, said Angelone, who moved to Harlem two years ago.

Angelone said she opened her restaurant to fill what she saw as a need.

I feel like there w erent many places to just hang out.

And since its opened, Corner Social has become just that.

Restaurant blogger B.J. Coleman, 31, who lives nearby, says its a welcome addition.

It brings more energy uptown, and its in line with the crowd thats living in the neighborhood, he said. I love it.

But he didnt love the new name.

I hate the name change. I dont think it works as well as Lenox Social. I dont think there would have been any confusion.

mfeeney@nydailynews.com