New York City’s Phase Two of Reopening: Will Outdoor Dining Succeed?

Caroline Fiske

As of Monday, June 22nd, New York City has moved onto phase two of reopening their city due to the decrease in coronavirus cases and deaths. Phase two includes hair salons, barbershops, retail shops, offices, real estate locations, places of worship, car stores, and outdoor seating at restaurants open for business. At least 300,000 New Yorkers are now back at work. Social distancing and CDC health guidelines will, of course, be in place as many of these places reopen. The state of New York is reopening by region and since New York City had the most amount of coronavirus cases and deaths, they were the last region in New York to enter into phase two. Now the question remaining is, will New York City successfully move onto phase three or move back to phase one?                             

Outdoor seating for these various restaurants will be allowed on sidewalks, lanes, and plazas. If customers do not follow the social distancing and CDC health guidelines while they are eating outside, then they will not be allowed to eat. These guidelines are crucial because outdoor seating reopening will help at least 5,000 New York City restaurants and it will also save at least 45,000 jobs in the restaurant industry. All restaurant staff members must wear face masks at all times, tables must be six feet apart from each other, customers must wear face masks until seated, and no more than ten people are allowed to be seated at one table. Not only will customers not be allowed to eat at the restaurant if they do not follow the guidelines, but the restaurant itself may be closed if they do not follow the guidelines either. You can read more about what to expect for outdoor dining and what the State of New York expects restaurants and customers to do in order for phase two to go successfully via the NYC Gov website at https://www1.nyc.gov/nycbusiness/article/nyc-restaurant-reopening-guide.

One of the many fabulous New York City restaurants that will be open for outdoor dining is “Bubby’s Tribeca.” It is located at 120 Hudson St., and they will be allowing customers to dine outside on their picturesque terrace. There is also “Bubby’s High Line” which is located at 73 Gansevoort St., it will be open for both takeout and outdoor dining. Curbside pickup and delivery for any food and alcohol items on the menu will also be available from both High Line and Tribeca locations. The full menu is available via their website at https://www.bubbys.com/menus/  or by calling their number at 212-219-0666. Bubby’s is just one of the many examples of restaurants that are getting back up on their feet again during phase two. A list of 60 New York City restaurants whether in Manhattan or Greenwich Village providing outdoor dining can be found at https://www.6sqft.com/nyc-coronavirus-restaurant-reopening-guide/.

Overall, restaurants rely on customers coming and trying their food over and over again. Without those customers returning to that specific restaurant, it will fail. The coronavirus pandemic is the ultimate test for restaurants not just in New York City but all over the world. Restaurants now need your love and support more than ever. If you love a certain restaurant and you don’t want it to close yet you are not ready to physically eat there yet, then take out as often as you can! Get your favorite pizza, chicken, salad, pasta, or whatever other signature dishes that you love so you can keep ordering it post coronavirus and beyond. Save the restaurants you love. Keep New York City moving forward to phase three instead of back to phase one by following all of the social distancing and CDC health guidelines. Wear face masks when necessary. Help restaurants thrive not die. This pandemic will not last forever,

stay positive!

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