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Restaurant Industry

Biggest Food, Beverage Trends Revealed In 2023 Grubhub Delivered Report Biggest Food, Beverage Trends Revealed In 2023 Grubhub Delivered Report
Biggest Food, Beverage Trends Revealed In 2023 Grubhub Delivered Report An analysis of orders from diners across the US in 2023  by Grubhub has uncovered the biggest food and beverage trends of the year. Spoiler alert: Spice is nice. In 2023, over 53 million items were ordered with added spice, the report on deliveries says.  Classic favorites like Sriracha (a sauce made from chili peppers) were added over 91,000 times, and buffalo chicken wings came in first as the most ordered wing flavor followed by lemon pepper, BBQ, teriyaki and garlic parmesan. The report notes that in 2023 diners enjoyed stepping out of their comfort zones and break…
Support Pours In For Beloved Restaurant Co-Owner In Westchester After Brain Tumor Removal Support Pours In For Beloved Restaurant Co-Owner In Westchester After Brain Tumor Removal
Support Pours In For Beloved Restaurant Co-Owner In Westchester After Brain Tumor Removal A community in Westchester is pulling together to raise tens of thousands of dollars for the family of a beloved restaurant co-owner who faces a long recovery process after having a brain tumor removed.  Just after announcing that he and his wife Nikole would be having their fourth child, Carmine Durso, who co-owns 25 North Ristorante in Mamaroneck on Route 1, learned that he would have to have a brain tumor removed.  Luckily, the operation to remove the tumor was successful. However, Durso will now have to endure a long recovery effort that will incur many medical bills, accordin…
Bar Temporarily Closes After Owner Dies In Westchester County Bar Temporarily Closes After Owner Dies In Westchester County
Bar Temporarily Closes After Owner Dies In Westchester County A bar in Northern Westchester is temporarily closed as it processes the loss of its owner.  Unionville Tavern, located in Hawthorne at 415 Commerce St., announced that it would close for a period of time after its owner, Gordon Krueger of Ossining, died peacefully on Friday, Jan. 13 at the age of 78.  Krueger, also affectionately known as "Gordo," died at home with his wife, Candice, at his side, the bar announced in a post on social media.  According to his obituary, Krueger was in the restaurant business for more than 50 years, and also owned establishments such …
Husband-Wife Tandem Of Ex-College Basketball Coach, News Anchor Operating Two NY Eateries Husband-Wife Tandem Of Ex-College Basketball Coach, News Anchor Operating Two NY Eateries
Husband-Wife Tandem Of Ex-College Basketball Coach, News Anchor Operating Two NY Eateries A background in television broadcasting isn’t typical of most restaurateurs, but it doesn’t seem to be hurting New York husband and wife team, Mo Cassara and Elisa DiStefano. In May 2022, the couple celebrated the reopening of their freshly-renovated restaurant on Long Island, The Point Bar & Grill, located in Point Lookout. It’s just three blocks away from their other eatery, MO’NELISA Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria, which they opened in 2016. Diners will no doubt recognize Cassara, a former Hofstra University basketball coach turned analyst for CBS Sports Network and ESPN. DiStef…
Ex-Westchester, Fairfield County Restaurateur Mario Batali's Sexual Misconduct Trial Starts Ex-Westchester, Fairfield County Restaurateur Mario Batali's Sexual Misconduct Trial Starts
Ex-Westchester, Fairfield County Restaurateur Mario Batali's Sexual Misconduct Trial Starts The sexual misconduct trial of celebrity chef Mario Batali, who has run restaurants in New York and Connecticut -- in Westchester and Fairfield counties -- is underway in Massachusetts. On Monday, May 9 in Boston, a woman testified that Batali, age 61, kissed and groped her while attempting to take a selfie at a Massachusetts restaurant after the chef waived his right to a jury. Related story - Ex-Westchester, Fairfield County Restaurateur Mario Batali Now Under Investigation By NY AG Instead, a judge will decide Batali’s fate at the conclusion of the trial, where proceedings are expected…
New Restaurant Off To Strong Start In Westchester New Restaurant Off To Strong Start In Westchester
New Restaurant Off To Strong Start In Westchester A new seafood restaurant that recently opened its doors in Northern Westchester has been seeing positive feedback from customers due to its fresh dishes. Coral Seafood Restaurant opened its doors in Somers around the beginning of October, according to Elsa Isa, the restaurant's manager. The restaurant is located at 63 Route 6 in Baldwin Place. Isa said business started off slow as it took time for customers to discover the eatery had opened, but now business has picked up, and the restaurant has been especially busy on the weekends. She said customers can make reservations, alth…
Chef From Westchester Voted World's Best Chef From Westchester Voted World's Best
Chef From Westchester Voted World's Best A celebrated chef from the region has been named the world's best by an association of highly-rated restaurants, according to a new report.  Les Grandes Tables Du Monde, an association of 179 restaurants across 23 countries, announced that Chef Daniel Boulud, a resident of Northern Westchester County, was voted the world's best restaurateur, according to AFP news. Boulud opened his flagship restaurant, "Daniel," in New York City in 1993. "At the heart of Manhattan, Restaurant Daniel is a celebrated culinary destination that blends refinement and sophistication with New York style and …
New Hudson Valley Restaurant Offers Ramen, Vegetarian Dishes & More New Hudson Valley Restaurant Offers Ramen, Vegetarian Dishes & More
New Hudson Valley Restaurant Offers Ramen, Vegetarian Dishes & More The owner of a new Hudson Valley restaurant said the eatery, which opened earlier this summer, focuses on Asian cuisine "with an American twist." Underground Ramen & Taco opened its doors in Rockland County on Friday, July 2. The restaurant, located in Chestnut Ridge, is located at 811 Chestnut Ridge Road.  Hank Barrett opened the location with David Benitelli, who also owns Harvest Moon Caterers. Barrett said he and Benitelli saw an opportunity when the location became available.  He said they saw that they had a niche by opening a place that offers a blend of rame…
Chipotle Increasing Prices In Order To Raise Employees' Wages Chipotle Increasing Prices In Order To Raise Employees' Wages
Chipotle Increasing Prices In Order To Raise Employees' Wages Chipotle Mexican Grill is increasing menu prices to cover the costs of raising its workers’ wages, the company announced. Consumers will see price increases of approximately 4 percent at the popular Mexican food chain, with that money being used to increase employees’ paychecks following the company’s announcement that hourly wages for workers would reach an average of $15 by the end of the month. The price hike is likely not to be felt too badly by consumers, with company officials saying that it will amount to quarters and dimes while dramatically boosting their ability to pay employees. …
COVID-19: Lawmakers Move To Repeal 'Cuomo Chips' Rule Requiring Food Be Purchased With Alcohol COVID-19: Lawmakers Move To Repeal 'Cuomo Chips' Rule Requiring Food Be Purchased With Alcohol
Covid-19: Lawmakers Move To Repeal 'Cuomo Chips' Rule Requiring Food Be Purchased With Alcohol Hold the Cuomo Chips. New York State lawmakers are making moves to repeal several COVID-19 restrictions put in place by Gov. Andrew Cuomo, including the mandate that food must be sold with drinks at bars and restaurants. During the height of the pandemic, Cuomo issued a series of Executive Orders to help curtail the spread of the virus, including restricting sales at restaurants, which prompted some eateries to begin selling bags of potato chips - dubbed Cuomo chips at some locations - or other small items to skirt around the rule. Original story - COVID-19: Restaurant Adds $1 'Cuomo Chi…
COVID-19: NY Restaurants Want Permanent Extension For Takeout Drinks COVID-19: NY Restaurants Want Permanent Extension For Takeout Drinks
Covid-19: NY Restaurants Want Permanent Extension For Takeout Drinks Restaurants have been among the hardest-hit industries during the COVID-19 pandemic, though if there was one silver lining for the industry, it has been the discovery of expanded alcoholic takeout and delivery options. On the one-year anniversary of the shutdown of eateries, the New York State Restaurant Association called on state lawmakers and Gov. Andrew Cuomo to extend the “wildly popular” service. According to the NYSRA, in the past year, since the initial COVID-19 shutdown, the takeout and delivery service has become so popular that 86 percent of New Yorkers want it to remain in …
COVID-19: Founder, CEO Of National Restaurant Chain Dies At Age 65 COVID-19: Founder, CEO Of National Restaurant Chain Dies At Age 65
Covid-19: Founder, CEO Of National Restaurant Chain Dies At Age 65 The founder and chief executive officer of a national restaurant chain died by suicide amid a battle with COVID-19-related symptoms, the company announced. Kent Taylor, who launched Texas Roadhouse in 1993, was 65 years old. The symptoms included severe tinnitus, or ringing in the ear, and his suffering had increased in recent days, the company, Texas Roadhouse, announced in a statement sent to CNN. Taylor died on Thursday, March 18. "Kent leaves an unmatched legacy as a people-first leader, which is why he often said that Texas Roadhouse was a people company that just happened to se…
COVID-19: NY Restaurants Outside NYC Can Soon Increase Indoor Capacity COVID-19: NY Restaurants Outside NYC Can Soon Increase Indoor Capacity
Covid-19: NY Restaurants Outside NYC Can Soon Increase Indoor Capacity Restaurants outside of New York City will soon be able to increase their indoor capacity amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Those restaurants, which have been operating at 50 percent capacity, can now move to 75 percent capacity starting Friday, March 19, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced on Sunday, March 7.  Data has shown that restaurants can operate safely and in accordance with strict health protocols at 75 percent capacity, Cuomo said.  New York City restaurant capacity will remain at 35 percent capacity. "Our fight in the war against COVID-19 continues, but we are encouraged by th…
COVID-19: Some NY Restaurant Workers, Taxi Drivers, Others Could Soon Be Eligible For Vaccine COVID-19: Some NY Restaurant Workers, Taxi Drivers, Others Could Soon Be Eligible For Vaccine
Covid-19: Some NY Restaurant Workers, Taxi Drivers, Others Could Soon Be Eligible For Vaccine With additional allocations of COVID-19 vaccines expected by the federal government in the next few weeks, local governments will have the option to determine whether taxi drivers, restaurant workers, and facilities for the developmentally disabled are eligible to be vaccinated moving forward. New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said that in the next three weeks, the federal government will be increasing the distribution of COVID-19 vaccine doses to states by more than 20 percent, and will be upping the allocation of doses directly to pharmacies by 10 percent, allowing for additional flexibility loca…
COVID-19: NY Restaurant, Bars Affected By Pandemic Can Apply For Grants COVID-19: NY Restaurant, Bars Affected By Pandemic Can Apply For Grants
Covid-19: NY Restaurant, Bars Affected By Pandemic Can Apply For Grants Thousands of restaurants and bars across New York hit hard due to the COVID-19 pandemic can now apply for help from the “Raising the NYS Bar” Restaurant Recovery Fund. The fund, made possible through financial donations led by Diageo North America and supported by Coastal Pacific Wine & Spirits, will be implemented by the non-profit National Development Council.  With more than $3 million in funding available, many restaurants or bars could receive up to $5,000 to help them through the pandemic. The fund is meant to help eligible restaurants adjust their operations to the impacts …
COVID-19: Indoor Dining To Close In NYC, Possibly Other Areas; New Rules For Gyms, Salons In NY COVID-19: Indoor Dining To Close In NYC, Possibly Other Areas; New Rules For Gyms, Salons In NY
Covid-19: Indoor Dining To Close In NYC, Possibly Other Areas; New Rules For Gyms, Salons In NY The New York State Department of Health and Gov. Andrew Cuomo have made some revisions to guidance for certain businesses as COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations keep increasing. With hospitalizations up to 5,159, the highest since mid-May, and the positivity rate statewide rapidly climbing, Cuomo announced on Friday, Dec. 11 that some businesses will be rolled back to help curtail the spread of the virus. As of Monday, Dec. 14, indoor dining in New York City will be closed, though outdoor dining and takeout will still be permitted.  Cuomo also said that health officials are evaluating…
COVID-19: Here's What Will Happen To Outdoor Dining As Cold Weather Arrives COVID-19: Here's What Will Happen To Outdoor Dining As Cold Weather Arrives
Covid-19: Here's What Will Happen To Outdoor Dining As Cold Weather Arrives Restaurants already struggling to stay afloat due to the COVID-19 outbreak have a new challenge rapidly approaching as the weather begins shifting, limiting outdoor dining options. The pandemic forced extreme restrictions on restaurants and bars for the past six months, with many scrambling to arrange temporary, and now possibly permanent outdoor dining options, while even more were forced to shut down for good due to a lack of business. Since mid-March, occupancy at restaurants has been restricted, face coverings must be worn by patrons and staff, social distancing must be practiced at all…
COVID-19: Indoor Dining Will Now Be Allowed In NYC With These Restrictions COVID-19: Indoor Dining Will Now Be Allowed In NYC With These Restrictions
Covid-19: Indoor Dining Will Now Be Allowed In NYC With These Restrictions One of New York City’s greatest attractions has been given the green light to start reopening amid the COVID-19 outbreak. During a COVID-19 press briefing in Manhattan on Wednesday, Sept. 9, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced that restaurants in New York City will be permitted to resume indoor dining, albeit at 25 percent capacity, beginning on Wednesday, Sept. 30. Cuomo said that he has set a deadline of Thursday, Nov. 1 to determine whether restaurants will be able to reopen up to 50 percent capacity. When restaurants reopen, they will be under strict guidance from the state that inclu…
COVID-19: New Data Reveals Staggering Number Of Restaurant Closures During Pandemic COVID-19: New Data Reveals Staggering Number Of Restaurant Closures During Pandemic
Covid-19: New Data Reveals Staggering Number Of Restaurant Closures During Pandemic New data is revealing just how devastating the COVID-19 pandemic has been to the restaurant industry. Yelp's latest Local Economic Impact Report, released this week, reports that nearly 16,000 restaurants have permanently closed throughout the nation since the outbreak began in March. Of the 26,160 total restaurant closures listed on Yelp as of mid July, 15,770 were permanent. New York has seen the third-most restaurant closures at 8.4 percent, behind California (14.4 percent) and Texas (8.5 percent), according to Business Insider. Restaurants have passed the retail industry to accou…
COVID-19: Reopening Of Indoor Dining In New York City May Be Pulled Back This Week COVID-19: Reopening Of Indoor Dining In New York City May Be Pulled Back This Week
Covid-19: Reopening Of Indoor Dining In New York City May Be Pulled Back This Week New York City is set to enter Phase 3 of reopening its economy as of Monday, July 6, though it’s unclear whether reopening indoor dining will be advisable, according to Gov. Andrew Cuomo. During a novel coronavirus (COVID-19) briefing on Monday, June 29 in Manhattan, Cuomo said that the state is monitoring the data and will make a determination this week on how to best move forward with indoor dining in the densely populated New York City.  “One of the issues we're working on in New York, indoor dining has shown that it has been problematic,” Cuomo said. “That a virus spreads in closed…
Norwalk's Ripka's At The Beach Is Ready With The Burgers, Lobster Rolls, Oysters, Fries & More! Norwalk's Ripka's At The Beach Is Ready With The Burgers, Lobster Rolls, Oysters, Fries & More!
Norwalk's Ripka's At The Beach Is Ready With The Burgers, Lobster Rolls, Oysters, Fries & More! Going to culinary school was just an excuse to find out what Clyde Ripka didn’t know about food. Turns out it wasn’t much. When he was 12, the Long Island native and current East Fishkill, N.Y., resident, spent his summer traveling to a New Jersey Holiday Inn, where his father was a partner, to peel potatoes and wash dishes. By 14, Ripka, blonde and tall—the stereotypical surfer dude—was spending his summers surfing while working as a soda jerk at a Massapequa bowling alley. “Surfing during the day and working at a restaurant at night was right up my alley,” Ripka recalled. “And the money …
COVID-19: NY Restaurant Industry Has Lost 250K Jobs, $2 Billion COVID-19: NY Restaurant Industry Has Lost 250K Jobs, $2 Billion
Covid-19: NY Restaurant Industry Has Lost 250K Jobs, $2 Billion The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, which forced the closure of all non-essential businesses in the tristate area, has cost restaurants billions of dollars statewide in just a few short weeks. A new report from the National Restaurant Association determined that New York restaurants have lost approximately $1.9 billion in sales, and more than 250,000 jobs have been cut since the outbreak. The lost sales mark a 58-percent decrease compared to this time last year. The numbers come approximately two weeks after New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo limited bars and restaurants to takeout and deli…
Burger Restaurant Replacing Westchester Eatery Burger Restaurant Replacing Westchester Eatery
Burger Restaurant Replacing Westchester Eatery Westchester Burger Company is replacing its Mount Kisco location on North Bedford Road with a new version of the owner’s flagship Graziella’s and Blue restaurant at the same space. Co-owners Angelo DiFeo and Vincent Corso announced that Graziella’s North will be opening on Thursday, Nov. 14, replacing the former location of the Westchester Burger Company restaurant. Graziella’s was started with family members before DiFeo set off on his own and started the Westchester Burger Company. “I’ve been working on it for about three years now, at least three years,” DiFeo previously said. “I love bu…
Former Mario Batali Restaurant, Tarry Lodge In Westchester, Will Close, With 50 Losing Jobs Former Mario Batali Restaurant, Tarry Lodge In Westchester, Will Close, With 50 Losing Jobs
Former Mario Batali Restaurant, Tarry Lodge In Westchester, Will Close, With 50 Losing Jobs As famed chef Mario Batali's attorneys appeared in a Boston court on Friday, Aug. 30 in connection with charges of indecent assault and battery, news came that the Tarry Lodge in Westchester will be closing. According to a WARN notice, required by the state when jobs are terminated, the Lodge in Port Chester will close on Friday, Nov. 22, and 50 people will lose their employment.  The reason given on the notice for the restaurant's closing was "due to construction occurring on the premise." Officials who operate the company could not be reached for comment on Friday to comment wh…
Popular Irish Eatery Eileen's Re-Opens In Westchester Popular Irish Eatery Eileen's Re-Opens In Westchester
Popular Irish Eatery Eileen's Re-Opens In Westchester After closing in January of 2018, Eileen’s has reopened at 960 McLean Avenue in Yonkers with a new name, a new look and some fresh Irish fare. Formerly known as Eileen’s Country Kitchen, the eatery was initially established in 1997 by Eileen Mannion. Mannion decided to close the eatery to rethink strategy and redecorate with some modern flair, including exposed brick, new lighting fixtures and more. "The old diner concept is dying," Mannion told Lohud. "The restaurant business has changed due to the advent of apps such as Grub Hub, Door Dash and Uber Eats and we restaurateurs need to chang…
Husband, Wife Chefs Ride Success Of White Plains Eatery In Downtown Stamford Husband, Wife Chefs Ride Success Of White Plains Eatery In Downtown Stamford
Husband, Wife Chefs Ride Success Of White Plains Eatery In Downtown Stamford Riding on the success of their White Plains restaurant,  the owners of Roasted are getting a grip on the Stamford market after almost two years in the downtown area. Roasted Food Co. began as a serious sandwich place and quickly morphed into a full-fledged fast-casual restaurant and bar, focusing on that same from-scratch philosophy, Chef Bill and Kristin Hall used in White Plains at the Melt Sandwich Shop. Kristin Hall was born and grew up in Newtown. The restaurant's concept starts with its namesake, a selection of meats and veggies that are roasted, cured, brined, smoked, or gr…
Ex-Owner Of Restaurants In Bronxville, Hartsdale Launches New Eatery Ex-Owner Of Restaurants In Bronxville, Hartsdale Launches New Eatery
Ex-Owner Of Restaurants In Bronxville, Hartsdale Launches New Eatery Rui Cunha, who has been a restaurateur in Westchester for about 15 years, opened up Pappous Greek Kitchen in July at what used to be a Friendly’s restaurant. Serving up authentic greek fare, fresh salads and gyro and Pappous style sandwiches, this establishment has something everyone can enjoy. Yorktown was chosen carefully as the the restaurant’s locale. As Cunha’s hometown, he knows the area well and said that he felt “a tremendous need for a new restaurant in Yorktown.” Cunha also said that while he deliberately kept the menu small upon opening, he hopes to expand the restaurant’s offer…
Nationally Known Westchester Restaurant Owner Admits To Evading $816K In Taxes Nationally Known Westchester Restaurant Owner Admits To Evading $816K In Taxes
Nationally Known Westchester Restaurant Owner Admits To Evading $816K In Taxes A nationally known food celebrity known as "Lord of the Pies" who owns restaurants in Westchester and Fairfield counties has admitted to filing false income tax returns and payroll tax returns totaling nearly a million dollars.Bruno DiFabio, 49, of Ridgefield has ownership interest in the following: Pinocchio Pizza in New Canaan and Wilton, Connecticut; Amore Pizza in Scarsdale, Amore Cucina and Bar in Stamford; ReNapoli Pizza in Old Greenwich. DiFabio’s business partner, Stamford resident Steven Cioffi, pleaded guilty to one count of aiding and assisting in the filing of a false t…
POLL: IHOP Is Changing Its Name To IHOb -- But What's The 'B' Stand For? POLL: IHOP Is Changing Its Name To IHOb -- But What's The 'B' Stand For?
Poll: IHOP Is Changing Its Name To IHOb -- But What's The 'B' Stand For? Click here for an updated story: IHOP's Big Reveal: Restaurant Explains Why It Will Now Be Called IHOb Is the International House Of Pancakes having an identity crisis? America's beloved breakfast joint is changing its name to IHOb. CLICK HERE to find out what the B stands for.
6-Year-Old Westchester Eatery Is Sold To New Owners 6-Year-Old Westchester Eatery Is Sold To New Owners
6-Year-Old Westchester Eatery Is Sold To New Owners Matt Kay, the chef/owner of Cedar Street Grill in Dobbs Ferry has sold his six-and-a-half-year-old eatery, shutting its doors -- for now. The popular neighborhood restaurant, which as early as last June had tweaked and upgraded its menu, officially ended its run on Jan. 1 with a message on its answering machine thanking customers for their support.  The restaurant, in business since 2011, had been a family affair with Matt as chef, his brother Joe as manager and their mom, Cathy as hostess.   Matt took sole control of the business in 2016 and eventually changed the menu from comfort foods …