Restaurant owners are eager to get back to business, but they want to be sure they’re not biting off more than they can chew.
Even if they get the green light to reopen soon, most of the city’s bars and bistros won’t be able to pay their bills without a full house, a new survey says.
Owners and operators of nearly 500 restaurants across the five boroughs said that when they’re finally allowed to serve customers indoors again, they will need at least 70% occupancy to make ends meet.
“Most restaurants and bars were barely surviving before the shutdown, and if they are forced to operate solely at 50 percent capacity once they reopen, it will be a death knell for the industry,” said Andrew Rigie, executive director of the NYC Hospitality Alliance.
“To help restaurants and bars reopen and stay open safely, we need to reimagine how we use public space — sidewalks, streets, pedestrian plazas and parks — and allow businesses to set up and serve customers in these areas.”
Bars and restaurants already saddled by high rent and labor costs were forced to close nearly two months ago to keep people from gathering in confined spaces. The saloons. steak houses and other eateries still open were limited to takeout and delivery service.
But with talk about flattening the curve and getting back to business, owners said they need more options. When they are permitted to reopen, they expect seating will be reduced amid social distancing rules.
Rigie said one proposal gaining momentum is expanding restaurant and bar service onto sidewalks, public spaces, and streets closed to vehicle traffic.
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