News Summary
New York City’s outdoor dining program is struggling post-pandemic, with a significant drop in participating establishments. The lengthy and costly application process is raising concerns about its accessibility, especially for small businesses. While outdoor dining had offered a financial lifeline during the pandemic, only a fraction of restaurants are now approved, prompting mixed reactions from the local dining community. As the city navigates new regulations, the future of outdoor dining remains uncertain, challenging the vibrancy of NYC’s culinary scene.
New York City’s Outdoor Dining Revolution Faces Hurdles
New York City, the bustling metropolis known for its vibrant dining scene, is seeing some serious bumps in the road as it adjusts its outdoor dining program in the aftermath of the pandemic. Remember the days when dining al fresco was a must-do experience? Well, the city’s outdoor dining options are now looking a little slim, sparking conversations among New Yorkers.
A Trip Down Memory Lane
During the pandemic, outdoor dining became a lifeline for many restaurants trying to adhere to social distancing guidelines. With the sun shining and tables set up on sidewalks and roads, over 12,000 eateries participated in the initial program, providing both a dining option and a chance for restaurants to stay afloat. Fast forward to this season, and the numbers are telling a different story—only 2,450 establishments are now approved for outdoor seating, making it a staggering 80% drop in options.
The Good, the Bad, and the Complicated
Those in favor of outdoor dining argue it isn’t just about eating outside; it’s also created a new industry focused on providing outdoor dining sheds, adding to NYC’s charm. However, the critics aren’t holding back. The new application process for outdoor dining permits is facing backlash for being lengthy, tedious, and pricey, which could deter smaller businesses from joining in on the fun. Some local leaders have voiced their concerns, suggesting that the new rules feel exclusionary, making it tougher for businesses compared to the original Open Restaurants program.
Let’s Talk Cash Flow
Time to take out the calculators! Under the new permanent outdoor dining program known as Dining Out NYC, restaurants can apply for permits that cover sidewalk or roadway seating, but there’s a catch. Sidewalk dining is available all year, whereas roadway seating is only from April to November. Now, holds your breath because applications come with some hefty fees: a whopping $1,050 fee just to apply, plus security deposits that can range from $1,500 to $2,500, and annual fees that depend on the area and size of the outdoor space. These fees can go from $5 to $31 per square foot, racking up potential liabilities that soar over $30,000 a year in Manhattan!
Real Life Experiences
Take Cafe Luxembourg on the Upper West Side, for instance; their annual cost for outdoor dining permits hits a staggering $10,880. But amidst these costs, outdoor dining proved to be a cash cow during the pandemic, contributing over $373 million in total annual wages and generating $9.6 million in annual tax revenue. Restaurant owners are noticing the impact too, with some like Ali Sahin from C&B Cafe mentioning a remarkable 20% increase in business thanks to outdoor dining.
Emerging Trends in Outdoor Dining
Neighborhood Highlights
The Road Ahead
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Claire Danes Sells West Village Townhouse for $9.9 Million
Historic Chelsea Mansion Lists for $35.56 Million
Additional Resources
- Crain’s New York: City’s New Rules Reduce Outdoor Dining Options
- Greenpointers: A Guide to Outdoor Dining in Greenpoint and Williamsburg
- Eater: Best Williamsburg Restaurants
- ABC7NY: Fire Consumes Moxy Brooklyn Outdoor Dining Area
- TimeOut: Williamsburg Restaurant Guide
- Wikipedia: Outdoor Dining
- Google Search: New York City outdoor dining
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Dining
Author: STAFF HERE NEW YORK WRITER
NEW YORK STAFF WRITER The NEW YORK STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewYork.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in New York, the five boroughs, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as New York Fashion Week, Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, and Tribeca Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater New York Chamber of Commerce and United Way of New York, plus leading businesses in finance and media that power the local economy such as JPMorgan Chase, Goldman Sachs, and Bloomberg. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBuffalo.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into New York's dynamic landscape.
