"As New York City kicks off its first Curbside Dining Restaurant Week, local restaurant owners are navigating both the opportunities and challenges that come with the city's permanent outdoor dining program. Elona Loperi, owner of Cafe Lounge in Brooklyn, says she's participated in the outdoor dining program since the city first launched the initiative in 2020, at the height of the COVID pandemic. "Curbside dining has definitely been a valued asset," Loperi says. "Customers enjoy both the outside and inside experience.""
"While some restaurants are embracing the momentum, others are still working to comply with new program regulations. Nadia Busuttil, manager of Green Pavilion in Brooklyn, says the transition has been costly. "We had to hire people to deconstruct some things. We received some fines," Busuttil explained. She's been covering those expenses out of pocket, hoping her restaurant's updated setup will be approved under the new guidelines."
"In a statement from City Hall, the Adams administration emphasized its continued commitment to supporting small businesses through the outdoor dining program, stating it plans to build on its success. Additionally, the Department of Transportation has worked hand-in-hand with the City Council to create a permanent program that "preserves the best parts of the temporary pandemic-era program and addresses the quality-of-life concerns we heard around.""
New York City launched its first Curbside Dining Restaurant Week as part of a permanent outdoor dining program. Some restaurant owners report sustained customer demand and value from outdoor seating. Other operators face costly compliance with new regulations, including deconstruction work, fines, and out-of-pocket expenses while awaiting municipal approval. Owners expect increased business during the week even as applications pending acceptance create uncertainty. The Adams administration and the Department of Transportation pledged continued support for small businesses and designed the permanent program to preserve pandemic-era benefits while addressing noise, cleanliness, and sidewalk accessibility through adjusted hours, rat-proofing guides, and clear paths.
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