Join the Small Business Resource Network for Free Guidance & Recovery Resources
Calling all small businesses! In response to this time of crisis, various city partners, inluding the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce have launched the NYC Small Business Resource Network (SBRN), a network of New York City specialists offering free, personalized guidance and recovery resources for your business.
The SBRN is a unique, private-public partnership that leverages local relationships with the city’s corporate, financial, and professional service sectors. With support from universities, philanthropies and expert volunteers, the SBRN helps small business owners gain access to a range of programs and services.
Small Business Support Specialists offer guidance and next-step resources in these five fields:
- financial guidance
- marketing expertise
- technology support
- legal counseling
- business coaching
Some common concerns are proper outdoor dining setup (please note, if you're in our BID district boundaries we can assist with this directly), rent negotiation, and website marketing and management. Members of the network can also enjoy special offerings such as cash credit to rebuild your business' website.
Every business is eligible, even if you are not a Chamber of Commerce member. For more information, attend the free info session webinar for small business owners on January 12th, at 2pm, or submit your business profile to join today.
The designated Chamber of Commerce Small Business Support Specialists for the Flatiron and NoMad area are:
Businesses in zipcodes 10003, 10010, and 10016:
Christopher Freire
cfreire [at] Manhattancc.org
Businesses in zipcodes 10001 and 10011:
Sean Martin
smartin [at] manhattancc.org
Winterizing Guidelines Released
Updated Thursday, October 15, 11:45am
On October 14th, Mayor Bill de Blasio joined the Department of Buildings (DOB), Department of Transportation (DOT), and the Fire Department of New York (FDNY) to release guidance for restaurants to install heating devices to serve patrons this fall and winter. The guidelines below support last month's announcement that NYC's outdoor dining program is extended year-round along with opportunities to expand seating to adjacent properties with neighbors' consent.
- Electric radiant heaters will be allowed in sidewalk and roadway seating setups. Click here for full guidance from DOB.
- Natural gas radiant heaters will be allowed on the sidewalk only, and must comply with the Fire Code. Click here for full guidance from DOB.
- Portable heaters powered by propane will be allowed on the sidewalk only. Propane heating will be regulated by FDNY. Click here for full guidance from FDNY.
- Establishments with private outdoor dining spaces may use heating devices subject to the applicable guidance from DOB and FDNY.
Adjacent Properties
- The City will allow restaurants to expand seating to the frontage of adjacent properties, as long as the adjacent property owners formally agree to the use of the space for a specified period of time and commit not to charge a fee for its use.
- The City will work with the State Liquor Authority on any requirements associated with extending alcohol service to the expanded seating in front of adjacent properties.
- In early October, the New York City Department of Transportation (DOT) will issue a template agreement and provide instructions on how to file the agreements. Adjacent properties may not be used prior to the release of official instructions and formal agreements.
- Restaurants will also be permitted to use tent enclosures to keep diners warm. In partial tent enclosures, at least 50% of the tent’s side wall surface area must remain open and electrical heaters are allowed.
- In full tent enclosures, the tent’s side walls may be closed but occupancy limitations will be capped at 25% of capacity, and indoor dining guidelines must be followed; electrical heaters will also be allowed.
- Enclosed structures, such as plastic domes, will be allowed for individual parties and must have adequate ventilation to allow for air circulation.
- As the program’s duration will now continue through the winter months, and winter weather creates potential for inclement weather to impact road conditions, the City will engage the restaurant industry and other stakeholders to develop additional safety features to further strengthen roadway barriers.
- To ensure timely implementation, the City will require restaurant owners to comply with new safety features by November 15, 2020. In addition, significant snow events may necessitate the temporary removal of some barriers from the roadway.
Open Streets: Restaurants blocks will be closed to thru-traffic and there is no parking seven days a week at the participating Flatiron & NoMad blocks below:
- Broadway: 25th Street to 26th Street
- West 22nd Street: Sixth Avenue east to Fifth Avenue
- East 20th Street: Broadway to Park Avenue South
- East 28th Street: Madison Avenue to Park Avenue South
- East 29th Street: Madison Avenue to Park Avenue South
Please be sure you're following all guidelines New York City Open Restaurants Program to ensure continued operation. The NYC Department of Small Business Services (SBS) offers free virtual one-on-one compliance consultations to help business owners understand and comply with NYC Open Restaurants guidelines. Sign up for a virtual consultation here.
For more resources and updates pertaining to the pandemic, visit our COVID-19 Resources & Updates page. If you have questions or needs, please email the team directly: Covid19@FlatironDistrict.nyc
Business Resources & Indoor/Outdoor Dining Info
Updated 4/13/21
NYC Indoor Dining: Restaurants in NYC can operate at 50% capacity as of March 19th.
Reopening New York City (NY State guidelines): New York Forward resources for the public and Phase One through Phase Four business reopenings.
NYC Health Department - Permits & Licenses: All NYC Health Department permits and licenses that expired after March 13, 2020, (or in the case of seasonal mobile food vending permits and licenses, on October 31, 2019) remain valid because of the COVID-19 public health emergency. When the governor lifts the state of emergency, permittees and licensees will have 45 days to renew. You may still renew now.
- DOH Permits & Licenses
- Renew online (preferred; otherwise request an in-person renewal here)
Responding to a Summons: If you receive a summons from the Health Department, you have the opportunity to contest the violations at the OATH Hearings Division. Your hearing date is printed on your summons.
COVID-19 Vaccine Information & Resources:
- COVID-19 Vaccine: Adults over 16+ are eligible for the vaccine. People who live outside of the state but work or study in New York are also eligible to get vaccinated.
- Vaccine Finder - This portal helps you locate local providers and book appointments. Local options include:
- AdvantageCare Physicians (21 East 22nd Street)
- Walgreens/Duane Reade (401 Park Avenue South)
- Walgreens/Duane Reade (777 Sixth Avenue)
- Walgreens/Duane Reade (465 2nd Avenue)
- NYC Health & Hospitals - Bellevue (462 First Avenue)
- NYC Vaccine Command Center
- Phased Distributions
- Vaccine Data Tracker
- Find a COVID Testing Site: Cost-free testing is available to all New Yorkers.
- COVID Alert NY: An exposure-notification app helps stop the spread
Open Storefronts: Mayor Bill de Blasio announced the Open Storefronts program, permitting storefront businesses to use a portion of their sidewalk to display merchandise, sell goods, complete transactions, and provide queuing areas.
Gyms and Fitness Centers are premitted to reopen: Operators must submit a this Inspection Request and Attestation Form to the NYC Health Dept attesting to compliance with all COVID-19 reopening health and safety guidelines.
NYC Open Restaurants Program (Outdoor Dining)
NYC’s Open Restaurants Program is an effort to expand outdoor seating options for restaurants and bars to promote open space, enhance social distancing, and help them rebound in these difficult economic times. This program is designed to assist existing restaurants and bars that have been authorized by the Governor to re-open under Phase Two and want to use outdoor areas on a temporary basis. This program is only for restaurants and bars seeking permission to place outdoor seating in front of their establishment on the sidewalk and/or curbside lane. Applications now open
Open Streets: Restaurants allows community based organizations, including Merchants Associations or a group of, at a minimum, three (3) food service establishments (a "Restaurant Group") on a full block may express interest in offering seating on an Open Street by submitting an application, including a site seating and safety plan, detailed run of show, management plan, and outreach plan, to NYC DOT. Open Streets: Restaurants seating is executed through full block, recurring street closures that are planned for nights and weekends through Labor Day. Applications now open
Adjacent Properties
- The City will allow restaurants to expand seating to the frontage of adjacent properties, as long as the adjacent property owners formally agree to the use of the space for a specified period of time and commit not to charge a fee for its use.
- The City will work with the State Liquor Authority on any requirements associated with extending alcohol service to the expanded seating in front of adjacent properties.
- In early October, the New York City Department of Transportation (DOT) will issue a template agreement and provide instructions on how to file the agreements. Adjacent properties may not be used prior to the release of official instructions and formal agreements.
- Electric radiant heaters will be allowed in sidewalk and roadway seating setups. Click here for full guidance from DOB.
- Natural gas radiant heaters will be allowed on the sidewalk only, and must comply with the Fire Code. Click here for full guidance from DOB.
- Portable heaters powered by propane will be allowed on the sidewalk only. Propane heating will be regulated by FDNY. Click here for full guidance from FDNY.
- Establishments with private outdoor dining spaces may use heating devices subject to the applicable guidance from DOB and FDNY
- New York State outdoor dining guidelines permit installing a temporary or fixed cover (e.g. awning, roof or tent) so long as it has at least two open sides for airflow. Of the two sides that need to be open, one must be parallel to the roadway. If at least the two sides are completely open, you may exceed 25% capacity as long as existing outdoor dining guidelines are followed, (e.g., 6' between tables, no more than 10 people seated at one table). If fewer than the two sides are completely open, the occupancy limit will be capped at 25% capacity, and all indoor dining guidelines must be followed.
- Enclosed structures, such as plastic domes, will be allowed for individual parties and must have adequate ventilation to allow for air circulation.
- For restaurants with roof structures, the city will be releasing tips and guidance on how to make them secure, as well as quick action to remove snow from roofs, awnings, and tents.
- Only electrical heaters are allowed within the roadway setups.
- Barriers must have a fully built interior wall and bottom to hold filler material.
- All 18-inch roadway barriers must be completely filled with soil or sand.
- Continuous reflector tape must be added along the top outside edges, and snow sticks must be added to the corners of the two barriers facing traffic.
- A plastic water-filled barrier in front of the roadway barrier facing oncoming traffic will be required for a majority of restaurants; “high priority" restaurants for whom a water-filled barrier will be required will be identified based on the street's crash rates and traffic volumes, as well as if it's a truck route. These restaurants will be contacted separately to confirm this requirement applies to them. For all other restaurants, similarly placed water-filled barriers are highly recommended.
Open Streets: Restaurants blocks will be closed to thru-traffic and there is no parking seven days a week at the participating Flatiron & NoMad blocks below:
- Broadway: 25th Street to 27th Street
- West 22nd Street: Sixth Avenue east to Fifth Avenue
- East 20th Street: Broadway to Park Avenue South
- East 28th Street: Madison Avenue to Park Avenue South
Please be sure you're following all guidelines New York City Open Restaurant Program to ensure continued operation.
For more resources and updates pertaining to the pandemic, visit our COVID-19 Resources & Updates page. If you have questions or needs, please email the team directly: Covid19@FlatironDistrict.nyc
Gym Reopenings
Gyms and fitness centers were allowed to start reopening as of September 2nd after submitting appropriate paperwork to the NYC Health Department. All gym services must exclude indoor pools and indoor fitness classes. Below is a list of gyms that have reopened for in-person visits. Stay tuned for additional reopenings.
Equinox | 315 Park Avenue South | COVID-19 Safety Guidelines
The Equinox Grammercy location offers spacious workout areas and top-notch equipment to strengthen both the body and mind.
Iconoclast Fitness | 210 Fifth Avenue | COVID-19 Safety Guidelines
Iconoclast is a Black-owned fitness studio owned by Ngo Okafor who is famous for training drastic body transformations and receives praise from celebrity and model clients alike. Private training available. 
Jane DO | 24 West 23rd Street | COVID-19 Safety Guidelines
The studio empowering women to reach new levels of strength and confidence has reopened for one-on-one personal training. Virtual live-stream classes are still available. 
New York Sports Club | 113 East 23rd Street | COVID-19 Safety Guidelines
A membership at the NYSC Flatiron location translates to fully equipped facilities and certified fitness experts to assist you on your fitness journey. 
Tone House | 32 East 31st Street | COVID-19 Safety Guidelines
Tone House is a strength and conditioning training facility aimed at training your inner athlete. Virtual classes and outdoor classes are also available.
Still working out at home? These neighborhood locations are offering virtual classes:
- exhale
- Ballroom Hub
- Barry's Bootcamp
- BK Pilates
- bodē nyc also offering in-person private sessions
- Chaise Fitness
- DanceBody also offering in-person private sessions
- Dharma Yoga
- FuncSoul
- Humming Puppy
- LL Studio by Laughing Lotus
- Mendez Boxing Gym
- Mile High Run Club
- Pop Physique NYC
- Rumble
- Sin Workouts
- TrainStationNYC
- Y7 studio
Reopened Museums in Flatiron & NoMad
Center for Book Arts | Reserve FREE Tickets Here | Mon-Fri: 11 am - 4 pm | COVID-19 Safety Guidelines
The Center for Book Arts has been supporting artists making books for over 45 years! Currently there are three free exibitions on view until March 27: New Book Art: 2019 Artists in Residence, Out of Sight, Beyond Touch, and Borders Are Meant to Be Crossed. Stay up to date with exhibitions here. Public programs surrounding each exhibit can be found here. Check out their book shop here.
Follow on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter for latests updates and announcements!
Fotografiska New York | Purchase Tickets Here | Wed-Sun: 11 am - 9 pm | COVID-19 Safety Guidelines
Fotografiska New York aims to inspire a more conscious world through photography and a mix of world-class art, vibrant cultural programming, and curated retail. Right now there are three exibitions on view: Between These Folded Walls, Utopia until March 28, Brief & Drenching until April 18, and Death Row Exonerees until April 25. Currently there is one installation on view: Black Artists Fund x Fotografiska New York - Tracking Down Intimacy until May 2. Stay up to date with exhibitions and installations! For public programming talks and special events, check here. Shop their merchandise inspired by current exibitions here.
Follow on Facebook and Instagram for latest updates and announcements!
Museum of Sex | Purchase Tickets Here | Wed-Mon: 1 pm - 10 pm | COVID-19 Safety Guidelines
The Museum of Sex mission is to preserve and present the history, evolution and cultural significance of human sexuality through exhibitions, publications, and programs. There are four exhibitions currently on view: Superfunland: Journey into the Erotic Carnival, Cam Life, Bad: Betty A. Dodson & the Liberation of Masturbation, A Tribute, and Cabinet of Curiosities: Slections from Secret Collections.
Follow on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for updates and announcements!
Poster House | Purchase Tickets Here | Thur-Sun: 10 am - 6 pm | COVID-19 Safety Guidelines
The Poster House presents the historical and contemporary impact, culture, and design of posters. Currently on view are three shows: Vera List & The Poster of Lincoln Center, Julius Klinger: Posters for a Modern Age, and Freak Power. Stay up to date with current and upcoming exhibitions here.Check out their in-person and virtual public programming like tours and talks. Shop online for their merchandise, posters, apparel, and gifts.
Follow on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for updates and announcements!
Header Credit: Poster House by Kudos.NYC
Local Businesses Need You More Than Ever
The Flatiron/23rd Street Partnership wanted to take a moment to acknowledge neighborhood businesses that have permanently closed as a result of the pandemic. We are saddened to say goodbye to several businesses that we've come to know and love over the years.
First and foremost, the Partnership wants to thank these businesses for their service and contribution to the neighborhood. Whether they provided lunch during the workweek, dinners shared with loved ones, or educational activities for children, these businesses helped give the Flatiron District a true community feeling. They will all be deeply missed.
Secondly, the Partnership wants to raise awareness of the urgent issue of small business survival as a result of COVID-19. As a Business Improvement District, the Partnership has been a champion of economic development and community improvement for over 14 years. We are dedicated to supporting our district businesses both with supportive programs in-house and communication with our elected officials on legislation that offers relief for businesses and property owners. This is not an experience unique to Flatiron, as many other neighborhoods grapple with similar losses of small businesses. Without direct action and relief, this trend of business closures is likely to continue, especially as fall and winter approach.
We strongly encourage New Yorkers to seek out ways to support your local business communities: shop at your local hardware stores, groceries, and delis, grab a coffee/pastry from a close-by bakery, have a pre-made picnic in the park, order products from online stores of local businesses if you're remote, enjoy a virtual class, event, or experience, purchase at-home meal kits from restaurants, stop by outdoor dining set-ups, and order directly through business websites when possible (you might be surprised at how far a restaurant will deliver).
Lastly, contact your local, state, and federal officials and urge them to pass legislation that helps local businesses survive (find contact information for your elected officials here). At the City level, we're calling for measures such as rent and mortgage relief, the expansion of the Open Restaurants program (outdoor dining) beyond a business's storefront, and sales tax exemptions to spur retail activity.
Councilmember Keith Powers just this week unvieled an "Open for Business Report" in partnership with Manhattan Chamber of Commerce and the NYC Hospitality Alliance detailing the challenges facing small businesses in our city and action steps that can be taken to mitigate them. Read the full report here.
Businesses are struggling to survive and they need your help.
COVID-19 Related Business Closures in Flatiron:
apple seeds, 10 West 25th Street
After 13 years in the district, the children's amusement center offering fun and educational classes has closed its doors. apple seed's launched an online platform "Songs for Seeds" offering virtual singing and dancing classes.
The Assemblage, 114 East 25th Street & 331 Park Avenue South
The coworking company and creative community space closed their doors after 3 years in the neighborhood.
Bo's Kitchen & Bar Room, 6 West 24th Street
After serving up NOLA inspired food and drinks for the last seven years, Bo's is closed for the foreseeable future.
Bouley At Home & Bouley Test Kitchen, 31 West 21st Street
The all-in-one dining space that featured a bakery, restaurant, and cooking school from renowned chef David Bouley closed.
Cleo Spa & Salon, 407 Park Avenue
The local nail salon closed its doors.
Eisenberg's Sandwich Shop, 174 Fifth Avenue
The historic Eisenburg location closed its doors after 91 years of business for the foreseeable future. The sandwich shop was known for its deli-style food, 30-foot long dining counter, and vintage charm. The shop hopes to return in the future
Flats Fix, 14 East 23rd Street
After 30+ years in the district, the owners of Flats Fix (formerly Live Bait), have made the difficult decision to close. Flats Fix's other location in Union Square at 16 East 28th Street remains open.
Gasoline Alley Coffee, 24 East 23rd Street
The premium artisanal coffee shop closed its Flatiron location after 4 years in the district. You can still support their Noho and West Village locations.
Le Tea, 1134 Broadway
The chic tea boutique closed after opening last year.
Le Pain Quotidien, 931 Broadway
LPQ's Flatiron location closed after 8 years in the district.
Mira Sushi, 46 West 22nd Street
The hip Japanese eatery closed after serving the neighborhood for seven years. You can still support their Queens location.
Quality Eats NoMad, 3 East 28th Street
The modern steakhouse Quality Eats NoMad location has closed. You can support their Upper East Side and West Village locations, both offering patio dining, takeout, and delivery.
Sophie's Cuban Cuisine, 28 East 23rd Street
After 11 years in the neighborhood, the family-owned Cuban cuisine chain has closed the doors of its Flatiron location. You can support their other locations in NYC.
Sony Square, 25 Madison Avenue
Sony, a major office tenant in Flatiron, closed its experiential space Sony Square. The space opened in 2016 to provide a behind-the-scenes look for shows, movies, and electronics.
Space Kiddets, 26 East 22nd Street
The children's clothing and toy store closed after 40 years in the neighborhood. The team behind Space Kiddets hopes to land a new location in the fall and launch online shopping.
Sweaty Betty, 168 Fifth Avenue
The activewear company empowering women through fitness closed after 5 years in the community. You can still support their Nordstrom NYC Flagship.
Terri, 60 West 23rd Street
The sustainable, plant-based eatery closed after 10 years in Flatiron.
Trattoria Italienne, 19 West 24th Street
A restaurant rooted in Northern Italian and Southern French cuisine that was a go-to aperitivo spot for the neighborhood has closed.
Wonder Photo Shop, 176 Fifth Avenue
Fujifilm opened the creative space and camera store in 2016. The experiential shop has closed its doors. E-commerce will begin to roll out in October 2020.
Learn more about what we're calling for and how you can help: NY Business Leaders' Call to Action for the Survival of Small Businesses
Read Councilmember Power's "Open for Business Report" in partnership with the NYC Hospitality Alliance and the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce.
NY Business Leaders' Call to Action for the Survival of Small Businesses
A Call to Action for the Survival of Small Businesses in New York
NEW YORK, NY, July 20, 2020 – “Small businesses are the heart and soul of our communities and the backbone of our economy.”
Prominent New York City industry leaders in restaurants, nightlife, retail, and economic development have come together once more to advocate for a call to action for the survival of the city’s small business community.
The group is comprised of the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce, Bronx Chamber of Commerce, Manhattan Chamber of Commerce, Queens Chamber of Commerce, Staten Island Chamber of Commerce, NYC BID Association, New York Building Congress, New York City Hospitality Alliance, New York State Restaurant Association, National Restaurant Association, National Supermarket Association, and New York State Latino Restaurant, Bar, and Lounge Association.
Unfortunately, the storefront entrepreneurs – retailers, personal service providers, restaurants – that make New York City thrive are facing unprecedented challenges and the genuine threat of extinction. This was true before the pandemic, when businesses were operating on thin margins due to online competition, unfunded government mandates, and bureaucratic red tape, but the COVID-19 crisis has left small businesses grappling with health concerns, operational challenges, and social unrest in their beloved neighborhoods, all of which make recovery seem like an impossible dream. Now is the time for targeted, innovative assistance and real, fundamental change.
The NYC BID Association represents over 93,000 businesses in 76 neighborhoods across all five boroughs. Members have been “on the ground” throughout the pandemic, observing how relief measures, despite good intentions, are insufficient and that without further action, thousands of establishments will go out of business, causing their employees to rely on unemployment for survival. Genuine economic hardships have gutted established businesses and have been particularly devastating to the minority, women and immigrant entrepreneurs whose neighborhoods have been especially hard hit. Unless a new approach is taken immediately, many more small businesses will succumb to these historic challenges, and New York’s recovery will be in real jeopardy.
Below is the nine-point plan proposed to the New York government to enable small businesses to come back to life and bring the City’s economy along with them:
-
While different agencies report to different Deputy Mayors, the Mayor should appoint one senior official in City Hall to oversee and coordinate an all-agency approach to business recovery. This individual should engage and direct the Department of Small Business Services, Transportation, Parks and Recreation, Consumer Affairs, Health and Mental Health, Buildings, Fire, City Planning, and the NYPD, among others on issues impacting business recovery. All agencies need to get on the same page and follow-through.
-
With little to no income right now, small businesses’ biggest concern is paying rent. Our local, state and federal elected officials must work together to find a way to bring rent and mortgage relief to our commercial corridors. We especially need a plan for rent relief for businesses to avoid a storefront vacancy crisis, which will be detrimental to our neighborhoods and the City’s economy. Public funds, mediation, eviction moratoria, rent and tax relief should all be considered immediately to extinguish the ticking time bomb in our recovery effort.
-
The City should expand the innovations of the Open Restaurants Program to other storefront establishments and retail sectors by providing reasonable guidelines and rules, then requiring individual businesses to follow those rules with minimal bureaucratic interference. This program would revive neighborhood commercial corridors by permitting brick and mortar businesses to place temporary signage, non-permanent queuing stations, small rain canopies, seating and the like on adjacent sidewalks during business hours. The City should provide specific criteria, waive all permitting fees and ensure that compliance does not require costly investments such as expensive temporary barriers.
-
The City should maintain existing siting criteria for mobile vendors and enforce current regulations. Currently, there is no agency enforcing for food or general vendor activities, despite the legal authority to do so. The sidewalks are crowded and pedestrians are at risk, as are brick and mortar businesses trying to avoid bankruptcy and eviction. Bars and restaurants are being closely monitored to ensure compliance with new laws and all vendors should be as well. The City should consider establishing a protocol where conflicts can be resolved between brick and mortar businesses and vendors, and to protect pedestrian safety.
-
New York State should streamline the State Liquor Authority process to support entrepreneurs who are willing to make new investments and allow businesses in NYC to operate on temporary licenses as they are permitted to do elsewhere in the State. Process the backlog of existing applications for businesses that had been waiting to open and may be still willing to do so.
-
New York State should activate sales tax exemptions to spur consumer interest similar to those previously employed for clothing in the back to school season.
-
The City should support non-profit organizations working to create markets and pop-up venues in parks and city spaces by easing SAPO, FCRC and other rules or by expanding the use of existing, successful programs such as Weekend Walks.
-
New York City should make patrons responsible for their own actions, not the business owner. As long as the owner has set up shop in accordance with the rules, enforcement by police and others should be focused on individuals who violate those rules.
-
New York State and City should continually review and revise outdated and burdensome rules and laws. We believe that the City and State owe it to small businesses and to our communities to ask of each regulation: is this rule necessary to keep our communities safe both right now and, eventually, in the long term?
Small business cannot remain the backbone of New York City’s economy unless government does its part to support their recovery.
The Flatiron/23rd Street Partnership is a member of the NYC BID Association. To read the press release in full, click here.
Support the New York Urban League's COVID-19 Family Relief Fund
How to Be a Good Customer in the Times of COVID-19
More and more Flatiron & NoMad restaurants are reopening with outdoor dining facilities in order to get back on their feet after facing three months of hardship, and many are attempting this as a new part of their business model.
The current climate is also a change for patrons. so we've compiled some pointers to help best support the businesses safely:
- Stay home if you feel sick, or if you have reason to think you've been exposed to COVID-19.
- Bring your own hand sanitizer and wear your mask as much as possible throughout the dining experience. Other than when you are eating and drinking, your mask should be on!
- When ordering, try to place the order and other requests all at once to reduce the number of trips the waiter has to make from the back of the kitchen to outside the restaurant.
- NY State law requires staff to wear PPE to protect public health (including yours and theirs) - so please don't joke about or make fun of staff in masks.
- Tip service staff generously! If you cannot afford to do so, consider ordering takeout. Waiters are risking their health to make a living and stay afloat.
- Be extra courteous. Restaurants are trying their best to adapt, so be understanding of longer wait times and slower service. Be extra patient, and adjust your expectations for our new reality.
- After enjoying your meal, leave in a timely manner. Restaurants are operating at such low capacity limits. Recognize that faster table turnover allows them to make higher profts, which is vital right now to stay afloat.
- Maintain social distancing guidelines throughout your dining experience. Keep your kids close to your table, and refrain from interacting with other restaurant-goers when entering and exiting the dining space.
You can adapt these tips to all business interactions as we continue to resume activity during the pandemic. Many of these are applicable to your retail and services expereinces as well.
When in doubt, follow all posted signage, defer to all staff requests, and get in an out as quickly as possible. For our business community to survive, and to keep all New Yorkers healthy, we all need to do our part.
Feeling confident about these tips? Visit our list of Phase 2 Dining Options in the district to see which local restaurants you can support while enjoying your outdoor dining experience.
Photo Credit: (Header) Bread & Tulips; (Thumbnail) Cote
