Photo via Flickr cc
With seven of 10 regions across the state now in phase two of the reopening plan, Governor Cuomo announced today that he was adding outdoor dining at restaurants to the list of businesses and operations allowed during this second stage. Restaurants in these regions can begin this tomorrow June 4th, as long as outdoor tables are spaced six feet apart, all staff wear face coverings, and customers also wear face coverings when not seated.
The New York City Council is set to introduce legislation on Thursday that requires the city to use open space for outdoor dining during the coronavirus pandemic. Restaurants and bars have now been closed for in-person service for over two months because of the state’s “pause” order that shuttered all nonessential businesses. And while takeout and delivery options remain available, the restaurant industry has taken a tremendous hit, with many longtime restaurants forced to close permanently.
Photo © James and Karla Murray exclusively for 6sqft
After a two month break, McSorely’s Old Ale House officially reopened on Friday. The East Village watering hole, which claims to be the oldest bar in New York City, announced a new take out menu, including its two ale options, light or dark, served in to-go growlers. The reopening comes after a two-month closure due to the coronavirus, the longest the historic bar has ever been closed, as EV Grieve first reported.
Photo: Louise Ma / WNYC via Flickr Creative Commmons
When the state closed all restaurants and bars in March except for takeout service, the New York State Liquor Authority legalized to-go alcoholic beverages, including wine and liquor, for the first time. A state official wants to make the temporary law change permanent. State Sen. Brad Hoylman on Thursday introduced legislation that would let bars and restaurants continue to serve wine, beer, and cocktails for take-out and delivery for at least two years after the state of emergency ends.
Illustration by the Rockwell Group
The idea to turn New York City streets and sidewalks into space for al fresco dining when restaurants can eventually reopen has been supported by local officials, small businesses, and even architects. Designer David Rockwell and his firm the Rockwell Group have put together a template for ways to use outdoor space for restaurant use while maintaining safe and socially distant conditions.
Photo via Greg Ma/Wiki Commons
If you’re looking to get a little fancy during quarantine, you can now order Peter Luger‘s famous dry-aged porterhouse for delivery. Eater tells us that the 133-year-old Williamsburg steakhouse has just reopened and is offering takeout and delivery for the first time ever. And you don’t even have to live close by to get in the action–delivery will be available in Brooklyn, Queens, and Manhattan. In addition to the famous steaks, you can order the $18.95 Luger Burger (usually only available for lunch), the Luger bacon, the wedge salad, lamb chops, and more.
Outdoor seating in the West Village, photo by cultivar413 via Flickr cc
There’s still a way to go before restaurants in New York City can fully reopen (they’ll be in phase three of the plan), but the struggling industry is hoping that the city will help in the form of outdoor seating. As Eater first reported last month, restaurant owners are advocating for the Mayor to extend his current open streets from pedestrians to al fresco dining to allow for more social distancing. And now, local elected officials are joining the call, hoping that sidewalks, streets, and parking spots can be used for outdoor service starting this weekend. The call comes after crowds were spotted gathering on sidewalks and drinking since the city has allowed bars and restaurants to sell to-go drinks.
Photo of Momofuku Ssam Bar by City Foodsters on Flickr
No restaurant in New York City is immune to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, with even restauranteur David Chang’s acclaimed Momofuku empire affected. The company announced that its restaurant Nishi in Chelsea will not reopen and Momofuku Ssäm Bar in the East Village will move to Bar Wayo at South Street Seaport to consolidate the teams. Momofuku CCDC in Washington D.C. will also permanently close, in light of COVID-19.
Photo by Patrick Connor Klopf on Unsplash
The New York City Council on Wednesday passed legislation that temporarily caps the commission third-party delivery services are allowed to charge restaurants during the coronavirus pandemic. The bill sponsored by Council Member Francisco Moya restricts commission fees charged by apps like Grubhub and Uber Eats at 20 percent during any state of emergency and 90 days following. The legislation comes as the city’s restaurants struggle to survive during COVID-19, with the state’s “pause order” forcing businesses to rely on take-out and delivery orders.
Photo by Luis Melendez on Unsplash
While most New Yorkers are working from home or finding ways to entertain themselves while indoors, our health care community is on the front lines of the coronavirus crisis, with many pulling double shifts and working seven days a week. To show gratitude for this heroic community, many local companies are stepping up to the plate, offering free meals, lodging, transportation, and even footwear. Ahead, 6sqft has begun compiling a list of the resources available to NYC’s front-line responders. This list was last updated at 4:30 pm on Monday, May 11, 2020.
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