NYC Open Restaurant Program

The NYC Open Restaurant Program was first temporarily initiated in June 2020, to allow restaurants to continue doing business while adhering to social distancing restrictions. It expanded from there. In phase 2 of reopening qualifying restaurants and bars were permitted to expand outdoor seating on sidewalks, street curb lanes, backyards, patios, plazas. Then on September 25 the Mayor declared the program to be permanent – through the winter of 20/21 & on into the future. Regulations permitted the use of heating & semi open roofed enclosures or tents to keep the diners comfortable. The only cost to owners was in the construction & furnishing of the pavilions, with strict attention to 2 sides open for ventilation. During the autumn of 2020 a charming & erratic variety of shelter sprang up in the curb lanes of streets & against the outside walls of buildings where restaurants were already located & struggling to stay in business. It became a locus of vitality & a joy to see people socializing, eating & having a good time. These images were made during that time. Enjoy.