Search Results for: "small business"

November 25, 2020

20 gifts that give back in 2020

The past year has put a lot in perspective, and when it comes to holiday shopping, many of us are hoping our dollar will also help others in some way. That's why 6sqft has put together a list of gifts that give back, from Parachute sheets that fund malaria awareness to artwork from Society6 that supports Black artists to a tote bag that helps Americares' COVID-19 response efforts. We've also included some more local ideas, like Citymeals on Wheel's holiday cards and a food gift box from Brooklyn restaurant Emma's Torch, which acts as a culinary school for refugees and asylum seekers.
Check out the full list here

Shop

This year’s best in-person and virtual holiday markets in and around NYC

Winter Village at Bryant Park; Photo by Angela Cranford

November 18, 2020

This year’s best in-person and virtual holiday markets in and around NYC

By Devin Gannon

Like the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree lighting, and the Times Square ball drop on New Year's Eve, many of the city's holiday markets will also be online-only this year because of the coronavirus pandemic. While nothing beats the magic of New York City during the holiday season and the traditions that come along with it, there are still ways to support local artists, businesses, and vendors this year. In addition to a few markets happening in-person this year, including the open-air shops at Bryant Park, a number have gone virtual, allowing you to shop safely from home, no matter where that is.
Full list ahead

Events & Things To Do

Here’s what New Yorkers can expect from Joe Biden’s COVID-19 plan

Photo by Gage Skidmore via Wikimedia Commons

November 9, 2020

Here’s what New Yorkers can expect from Joe Biden’s COVID-19 plan

By Dana Schulz

Even before he was officially declared President-elect, Joe Biden began briefings about the pandemic, and since Saturday's celebrations, his comprehensive, federally led strategy to combat COVID-19 finally feels within reach. Today, President-elect Biden announced the 13 members of his COVID-19 advisory board, made up of public health experts, scientists, and doctors. This group will help Vice President-elect Kamala Harris and him carry out their plan to not only beat the virus, but to prepare for future global health threats. Ahead, we take a closer look at the intricacies of the strategy and how it will benefit the entire nation, as well as New Yorkers, from a nation-wide mask mandate to an increase in testing centers to the establishment of a Racial and Ethnic Disparities Task Force.
READ MORE

Pearl River Mart opens first food-focused store in Chelsea Market

Photo courtesy of Chelsea Market

November 5, 2020

Pearl River Mart opens first food-focused store in Chelsea Market

By Devin Gannon

In some much-needed good news for New York City, popular Pearl River Mart has unveiled its first food-focused store in Chelsea Market. The Asian emporium, which has sold one-of-a-kind Asian-inspired decor and cookware in Manhattan since 1971, last week opened Pearl River Mart Foods, a food market with grocery items and three food stalls. After closing its Chinatown location in 2016, the beloved store returned to the city amid much fanfare with a location in Tribeca, followed by two more locations in Chelsea Market and the Museum of Chinese in America. Pearl River Mart's new food market expands its existing Chelsea market footprint to the lower level.
More this way

Food & Dining

Astor Place Hairstylists to close next month after 75 years

Mayor Bill de Blasio celebrated the Phase 2 reopening with a visit to Astor Place Hairstylists on June 23, 2020. Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office on Flickr

October 26, 2020

Astor Place Hairstylists to close next month after 75 years

By Devin Gannon

Another New York City institution will close its doors this year because of the coronavirus pandemic. Astor Place Hairstylists in the East Village, which opened in the 1940s and is known for its affordable prices, multilingual stylists, and celebrity clientele, will shutter at the end of November, as the New York Post reported. Hair salons and barbershops were allowed to open in June as part of the city's second phase of reopening, but a lack of business, and no additional federal funding, has forced the iconic barbershop to close.
Get the details

City Living

Photo by Brianne Sperber on Wikimedia

October 23, 2020

NYC’s iconic Strand Bookstore says it’s struggling to survive because of COVID-19

By Devin Gannon

One of New York City's largest and most beloved independent bookstores is asking for help. Citing a decline in foot traffic, a lack of tourists, and zero in-store events because of the coronavirus pandemic, the Strand Bookstore's revenue has dropped nearly 70 percent compared to last year, owner Nancy Bass Wyden said on Friday. According to Bass Wyden, the business, one of the last bookstores of Union Square's former "Book Row," is not currently sustainable.
More here

City Living

Here’s what you need to know about New York’s plastic bag ban

Image: Michael Kowalczyk via Flickr.

October 19, 2020

Here’s what you need to know about New York’s plastic bag ban

By Michelle Cohen

The ban on single-use plastic bags will go into effect on Monday, more than seven months after enforcement was set to begin. Gov. Andrew Cuomo's statewide ban on plastic bags was approved by state lawmakers last year with plans to begin enforcement on March 1, 2020. But a lawsuit from the Bodega and Small Business Association and a delay in a court decision on the lawsuit because of the coronavirus pandemic pushed enforcement of the new law back multiple times until a state judge ruled in August that the ban can begin on October 19. Starting Monday, grocery and retail stores that collect state taxes from customers will no longer be permitted to use plastic bags to contain purchases at checkout. Ahead, learn more about the Bag Waste Reduction Law, the exceptions to the law, and alternatives to single-use plastic.
Find out more

Ice skating rink and holiday market to open at Bryant Park’s Winter Village this month

Photo by Colin Miller

October 19, 2020

Ice skating rink and holiday market to open at Bryant Park’s Winter Village this month

By Devin Gannon

When the ice skating rink and holiday market opens at Bryant Park this month, things will look a little different than usual because of the coronavirus pandemic. This year, the Bank of America Winter Village will require face coverings, reservations for the rink, and will debut a new layout of shops for optimal distancing. Now in its 19th year, the winter village will open on October 30 and run through March 7, 2021.
More this way

Events & Things To Do

Soho and Noho rezoning proposal moves forward with 800 new affordable units planned

Photo by Vlada Karpovich from Pexels

October 7, 2020

Soho and Noho rezoning proposal moves forward with 800 new affordable units planned

By Devin Gannon

The plan to rezone two affluent Manhattan neighborhoods will enter the public land use review process, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced on Wednesday. The proposed rezoning of Soho and Noho includes replacing 1970s-era zoning rules and incentivizing the creation of about 800 permanently affordable homes, part of an effort to bring affordable housing to all New York City neighborhoods, even upscale ones.
Details here

Policy

Chelsea’s 84-year-old Peter McManus Cafe needs your help

Photo of Peter McManus Cafe © James and Karla Murray

October 5, 2020

Chelsea’s 84-year-old Peter McManus Cafe needs your help

By Devin Gannon

Like thousands of small businesses, one of New York City's oldest family-run establishments is struggling to survive because of the coronavirus pandemic. Irish bar Peter McManus Cafe, located at 152 Seventh Avenue in Chelsea, has been serving pints of Guinness and their famous burgers since 1936. While the McManus family, who has continuously owned the bar for four generations, has seen their fair share of challenges in its 84 years, COVID-19 has made it increasingly difficult to stay in business.
More details this way

October 2, 2020

Union Square’s cherished dinnerware store Fishs Eddy speaks out about COVID struggles

By Dana Schulz

"We’re like a fish gasping for air — literally," said Julie Gaines, the owner of Fishs Eddy, to the New York Post. The much-loved Union Square store has been in business since 1986, selling mix-and-match, reasonably priced dinnerware that includes NYC-themed items and quirky finds like Obama shot glasses and parking ticket plates. Since the pandemic hit, however, they've only been doing 30 percent of their usual business, much of which is based on tourists, which is making it harder and harder to afford their high rent.
READ MORE

City Living

October 1, 2020

Williamsburg’s iconic Kellogg’s Diner is struggling to stay alive

By Dana Schulz

One of the thousands of small businesses struggling to make ends meet in New York City's pandemic world is Williamsburg's Kellogg's Diner, which has been in business since the 1940s. The 24-hour restaurant at the corner of Metropolitan and Union Avenues says it's in danger of closing if the city doesn't increase its indoor dining capacity from 25 to 50 percent. Referring to the fact that restaurants in the rest of the state are able to operate at half capacity, owner Irene Siderakis told Pix 11, "Why is it fair for them and not for us? I don’t understand. I don’t get it."
READ MORE

Food & Dining

NYC outdoor dining will be year-round and permanent

St. Marks Place outdoor dining; Photo by Eden, Janine and Jim on Flickr

September 25, 2020

NYC outdoor dining will be year-round and permanent

By Devin Gannon

Outdoor dining will be a permanent, year-round feature for New York City restaurants, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced on Friday. The city's popular "Open Restaurants" program, which launched in June and allows restaurants to set up outdoor seating on sidewalks, patios, and on some streets closed to cars on weekends, was set to expire on October 31. During his weekly appearance on WNYC's The Brian Lehrer Show, de Blasio said the program will be "part of the life of the city for years to come." The "Open Streets: Restaurants" program, which has closed roughly 87 streets to traffic for car-free dining on weekends, will also be made permanent, the mayor said.
Get the details

Industry City developers withdraw rezoning application

Photo by Steven Pisano on Flickr

September 23, 2020

Industry City developers withdraw rezoning application

By Devin Gannon

Plans to rezone Industry City in Sunset Park are dead after developers behind the project decided to withdraw their application on Tuesday. As Politico New York first reported, the decision to pull out of the plan, first proposed six years ago, comes as developers were unable to convince Brooklyn residents and officials, particularly Council Member Carlos Menchaca, the local representative, to support the rezoning efforts. Supporters of the rezoning said it would have brought thousands of new jobs to the city, which currently is seeing an unemployment rate of about 20 percent because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Learn more

Policy

New York pol calls on Cuomo to reopen comedy clubs

Photo by ajay_suresh on Flickr

September 22, 2020

New York pol calls on Cuomo to reopen comedy clubs

By Devin Gannon

New York gyms, malls, museums, and restaurants, have all been given the green light from officials to reopen. Why not comedy clubs? State Sen. Michael Gianaris is proposing new measures that would allow comedy venues to immediately reopen under the same coronavirus restriction placed on other indoor activities, which would include a 25 percent capacity limit. "I challenge anyone to explain why comedy clubs would be less safe to operate than restaurants or bowling alleys," Gianaris, who represents parts of Queens, told the New York Post.
Get the details

‘Ode to NYC’ poster campaign spreads love across the five boroughs with heartfelt artwork

New York Forever poster designed by Giona Maiarelli; Pizza poster designed by Dr. Crol Bentel

September 16, 2020

‘Ode to NYC’ poster campaign spreads love across the five boroughs with heartfelt artwork

By Devin Gannon

A new citywide poster campaign will launch next month as a tribute to New York City in response to one of the most challenging times in its history. NYCxDesign this week announced the "An Ode to NYC" campaign, a collection of posters designed by local artists that reflect their love for New York. The original artwork will be on display in design showrooms, restaurants, retail stores, and iconic spots across the five boroughs, including the Oculus at the World Trade Center.
Get the details

Hoboken releases plan to extend outdoor dining through the winter

Expanded outdoor dining on 14th Street through Hoboken’s Summer Streets, courtesy of Mayor Bhalla’s office

September 16, 2020

Hoboken releases plan to extend outdoor dining through the winter

By Dana Schulz

Hoboken Mayor Ravi S. Bhalla seems to always be one step ahead of his counterpart in NYC when it comes to social COVID preparations. And this time, he's planning to extend outdoor dining straight through to 2021. Yesterday, Mayor Bhalla and the Hoboken City Council released guidelines on safe, outdoor heating options, application information for businesses to continue participating, and procedures on snow removal.
More details

New York City will open indoor dining on September 30

Photo by Marcus Herzberg from Pexels

September 9, 2020

New York City will open indoor dining on September 30

By Devin Gannon

Restaurants in New York City will be able to resume indoor dining on September 30, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced on Wednesday. Capacity will be limited to 25 percent with strict coronavirus-related regulations in place. In addition to the task force led by the State Liquor Authority, the city will provide 400 inspectors to oversee compliance at restaurants. Cuomo said the state will also rely on city residents to report any violations. "I believe in New Yorkers to do the right thing," the governor said during a press briefing.
Get the details

Cuomo says indoor dining could resume with an NYPD task force enforcing COVID-19 rules

St. Marks Place outdoor dining; Photo by Eden, Janine and Jim on Flickr

September 3, 2020

Cuomo says indoor dining could resume with an NYPD task force enforcing COVID-19 rules

By Devin Gannon

Indoor dining could resume in New York City only if police are able to enforce compliance of coronavirus regulations at restaurants, Gov. Andrew Cuomo said Thursday. During a call with reporters, the governor said he could allow restaurants to open for indoor dining if the city creates a task force of NYPD officers designated to oversee compliance. Cuomo said he plans to discuss the issue with City Council Speaker Corey Johnson, who on Wednesday called for an immediate start of indoor dining, which has been allowed in every region in the state except the five boroughs.
More this way

New program asks architects to help design outdoor dining spaces for NYC restaurants

Credit: Ed Reed/Mayoral Photography Office

September 2, 2020

New program asks architects to help design outdoor dining spaces for NYC restaurants

By Devin Gannon

Outdoor dining has offered a much-needed lifeline to many New York City restaurants struggling because of the coronavirus pandemic. But creating a space on city streets and sidewalks that is both inviting to diners and meets the city's safety standards comes at a cost. To help restaurants reopen, the city's Economic Development Corporation partnered with NYCxDesign, the American Institute of Architects, and the Center for Architecture to launch an online network that connects restaurants with architects and designers willing to provide design help for free.
More this way

66-year-old East Village restaurant Veselka shares its COVID struggles

Photo of Veselka by James and Karla Murray for 6sqft. See more here >>

September 1, 2020

66-year-old East Village restaurant Veselka shares its COVID struggles

By Dana Schulz

After closing in March, Veselka reopened for takeout and delivery at the end of April, and both their main location and their secondary spot in the Market Line food hall are open for outdoor dining. But like so many others across the city, the 66-year-old Ukrainian restaurant is struggling without indoor dining. In a video interview with photographers James and Karla Murray, second-generation co-owner Tom Birchard said, "We need to have more tables than we have right now to survive long-term."
READ MORE

Food & Dining

NYC restaurant group threatens lawsuit over indoor dining ban

Courtesy of the Times Square Alliance

August 20, 2020

NYC restaurant group threatens lawsuit over indoor dining ban

By Devin Gannon

Although New York City's coronavirus infection rate hit an all-time low this week since the start of the pandemic at 0.24 percent and reopening plans for museums, schools, and bowling alleys have been announced, there is still no return date for indoor dining. The New York City Hospitality Alliance, a group representing the city's restaurants and nightlife venues, called on Gov. Andrew Cuomo and Mayor Bill de Blasio this week to develop a plan to resume indoor dining in New York City, the only region in the state to not permit it. During a press conference on Wednesday, the group said they are considering suing over the indoor dining ban, which they see as unlawful, according to Crain's.
Details here

Courtesy of WATG

August 19, 2020

This is what a landscaped ‘green block’ would look like in the Flatiron District

By Devin Gannon

During the height of the coronavirus pandemic in New York City, fewer cars were on the road, leading to cleaner air and less noise pollution. And with nearly everything temporarily shut down, New Yorkers sought solace in open green spaces, parks, and open streets closed to cars. As the city is in the midst of reopening, WATG, a global multidisciplinary design firm, has proposed a plan to make the streets of New York greener while helping small businesses recover in the process.
More here

David Chang, Tom Colicchio, and others propose ‘Safe and Just Reopening Plan’ for restaurants

Photo by Marcus Herzberg from Pexels

August 10, 2020

David Chang, Tom Colicchio, and others propose ‘Safe and Just Reopening Plan’ for restaurants

By Dana Schulz

Despite the outward success of outdoor dining, New York City's restaurant industry is struggling. A report from the NYC Hospitality Alliance found that 83 percent of restaurants, bars, nightclubs, and event venues did not pay their full July rent, and last week, unemployed Americans lost the $600 bonus to their unemployment checks. And with indoor dining on hold indefinitely, there seems to be no clear path forward. This is why nearly 50 restaurant owners in the city, including David Chang, Tom Collichio, and Danny Meyer, have penned a letter to Governor Cuomo outlining their four-part "Safe and Just Reopening Plan" that most notably calls for eliminating the tipped minimum wage.
Learn about the whole plan here

UrbanSpace will open a new food hall at Union Square tech hub

Rendering of Zero Irving courtesy of RAL Development Services

August 7, 2020

UrbanSpace will open a new food hall at Union Square tech hub

By Dana Schulz

Pioneering food hall operator Urbanspace is opening its latest outpost at Union Square reports the NY Post. They've leased 10,000 square feet at Zero Irving, the contested tech hub on 14th Street that will serve as office space, a technology training center and incubator, co-working spaces, and an event space when it opens in the first half of 2021.
READ MORE

Food & Dining

Search Results for: "small business"

Pitch a Story

Interested in seeing the property in person?

Interested in seeing the property in person?

Distinctive Post Form

Get in Touch

Send us a Tip

Interesting in learning more about purchasing a new home?

Thinking about selling your home?

Sell a Home (Footer)

Before You Move On from this Page.

Your Daily Doseof NYC Life!

Before You Move On
from this Page.

Your Daily Dose
of NYC Life!