New York Governor Andrew Cuomo’s restrictions on indoor dining in New York City, which are scheduled to be partially lifted on Valentine’s Day, have been a “disaster” for restaurant owners in the five districts, he said. restaurateur Vincent Malerba to “The Faulkner Focus” on Monday.
Malerba, who owns two restaurants on Staten Island, told host Harris Faulkner that, although this is one of the busiest times of the year, it is “literally impossible” to persist in outdoor dining at sub-zero temperatures, especially with several inches of snow forecast to hit East Coat. Malerba also explained that his ability to attract customers was hampered by customers who had the option of driving to New Jersey and eating indoors at 50% capacity.
CUOMO: NYC INDOOR DINING TO RETURN TO 25% CAPACITY ON VALENTINE’S DAY
Malerba added that pressure from the community and restaurant owners on the leadership of the city and the state was largely “on one ear and out on the other.” He also joked that perhaps Cuomo has kept restaurants closed for so long as a gesture to his ex-girlfriend, the famous chef Sandra Lee.
He concluded that it is worrying to see restaurants remain closed in the city, even after scientific data suggests that the spread of COVID-19 that can be traced back to restaurants is around 1%.
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On Friday, Cuomo announced that country meals will resume in New York on Valentine’s Day.
“New York City restaurants, [on] our current trajectory, can reopen meals indoors by 25% on Valentine’s Day, “explained the governor.” Restaurants want a period of time so they can notify workers, they can prepare for meals indoors, order supplies, etc. “