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Retailer Brooks Brothers to open steakhouse

Brooks Brothers, the “Makers and Merchants” of fine American suits and ties since 1818, is turning its talents on another Yankee Doodle favorite — steak.

The legendary apparel emporium plans to launch a huge steakhouse, branded “Makers and Merchants,” at 11 E. 44th St., around the corner from its flagship store at 346 Madison Ave., sources told The Post.

The beefery will take over the three levels that Brooks Brothers took over from J. Press in 2008 and used for several years for its women’s line. The 15,000 square-foot space is now vacant, although Brooks’ awnings still hang over tall sidewalk windows.

A Brooks Brothers spokesman confirmed the plan, saying the company was “looking at summer 2014” for the opening, but emphasized, “It’s still way out.”

No plans are on record yet with the Buildings Dept., nor has a liquor application been filed with the State Liquor Authority. Nor has Brooks Brothers chosen an operator or management company.

But the chain has ambitious plans for its plunge into the perilous culinary waters. Although Brooks Brothers currently has no restaurants, the East 44th Street beef palace would serve as the prototype for a branded steakhouse line across the US.

The retailer today boasts nearly 300 stores in the US and other countries. It is owned by Retail Brand Alliance, a holding company headed by Italian billionaire Claudio del Vecchio, which bought the chain from Britain’s Marks and Spencer in 2001 for $225 million.

Reps for landlord Aion and leasing agent Newmark Grubb Knight Frank didn’t get back to The Post or declined to comment.