New York’s restaurants were hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. Stay-at-home orders and capacity limits forced restaurants to adopt a business model entirely based on take-out and delivery. For most, the switch significantly reduced revenue and we began to see restaurants close their doors for good. 

So the city decided to take action–starting the Open Restaurants Program. The program encouraged establishments to set up outdoor dining. It turned out to be a lifeline for restaurants.

Today a conversation with two restaurateurs–Dana Morrisey, and Alfredo Anguiera–both of whose businesses were saved by New York’s Open Restaurants program. 

And later, we speak with an Upper East Side resident named Debbi who explains that if outdoor dining remains in NYC, she might not be able to. 

Permanent outdoor dining serves up opposing voices: https://epicenter-nyc.com/permanent-outdoor-dining-serves-up-opposing-voices/

Become an Epicenter-NYC member: https://epicenter-nyc.com/become-a-member/

COVID-19 Questions: [email protected]

Our intro music: http://karavikamusic.com/

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