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Restaurant Industry

Lifestyle
NY Has Nation's Second-Best Food Scene, Top Culinary School Says: Here's Why NY Has Nation's Second-Best Food Scene, Top Culinary School Says: Here's Why
NY Has Nation's Second-Best Food Scene, Top Culinary School Says: Here's Why Three states in the Northeast stood out in a nationwide study for their vibrant food scenes. New York, Massachusetts, and New Jersey were ranked in the top 10 by the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts. While Hawaii easily claimed the top spot in the annual food scene rankings, New York scored high enough to earn second place. The study, which analyzed factors like restaurant spending, jobs, and independent eateries, highlighted these states for their vibrant food cultures and economic contributions. "Usually when we think of a restaurant "scene," we think on the small scal…

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by Chris Spiker
Lifestyle
Why Are Americans Dining Out Less? A Closer Look At Changing Habits Why Are Americans Dining Out Less? A Closer Look At Changing Habits
Why Are Americans Dining Out Less? A Closer Look At Changing Habits Rising costs and shifting priorities are reshaping how Americans approach dining out.  Reports reveal a notable decline in restaurant visits, particularly among middle-class families and younger generations. Here are key factor driving the decline: Rising Menu Prices: Inflation has notably driven up the cost of dining out significantly. According to Yahoo Finance’s “6 Reasons the Middle Class Can’t Afford To Dine Out Anymore,” soaring food prices have left many consumers rethinking their restaurant habits. Economic Pressures: Broader inflationary trends are squeezing househo…

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by Joe Lombardi
News
Restaurant Reservation ‘Black Market’ Target Of NY Law Signed By Gov. Hochul Restaurant Reservation ‘Black Market’ Target Of NY Law Signed By Gov. Hochul
Restaurant Reservation ‘Black Market’ Target Of NY Law Signed By Gov. Hochul New Yorkers can now enjoy fairer access to coveted restaurant reservations. A new law signed by Gov. Kathy Hochul on Thursday, Dec. 19, prohibits third-party reservation platforms from arranging reservations without a restaurant's consent. The platforms often charge consumers additional fees, creating a costly “black market” for popular dining spots and making it harder for diners to secure tables without paying a premium. “We’re putting an end to the predatory black market for restaurant reservations — protecting consumers and businesses, and giving everyone a chance to get a seat at the …

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by Michael Mashburn
Lifestyle
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…

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by Joe Lombardi
Lifestyle
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…

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by Michael Mashburn
News
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…

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by Zak Failla
Lifestyle
Baldwin Eatery Voted Long Island's Best Indian Restaurant Baldwin Eatery Voted Long Island's Best Indian Restaurant
Baldwin Eatery Voted Long Island's Best Indian Restaurant After taking a page out of his mother's cookbook, a popular restaurant has been named as the "Best Indian Food On Long Island," according to a newly released poll, supplanting a longtime favorite. Each year, the Bethpage Best of LI polls Long Islanders to lay down a roadmap “to the best, top-notch businesses and services throughout both Nassau and Suffolk counties.” Organizers of the contest have been counting votes since it began, with the winners ultimately chosen by the Long Islanders who rely on those businesses each and every day. Related story - Related story - This Suffolk County …

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by Zak Failla
Lifestyle
Chef From Northern Westchester Voted World's Best Chef From Northern Westchester Voted World's Best
Chef From Northern 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 …

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by Nicole Valinote
News
Nassau County Restaurant Owner Sentenced For Role In Extortion Scheme Nassau County Restaurant Owner Sentenced For Role In Extortion Scheme
Nassau County Restaurant Owner Sentenced For Role In Extortion Scheme A Long Island restaurant and bar owner has been sentenced for his involvement in soliciting more than $150,000 bribes from local restaurant owners.  William Mendez, age 50, of Elmont, was sentenced on Monday, Aug. 9 to one-and-a-third to four years in prison, according to Acting Nassau County District Attorney Joyce Smith. Smith said Mendez pleaded guilty on March 15 to the following charges: Two counts of second-degree bribe receiving Two counts of second-degree grand larceny by means of extortion Fourth-degree conspiracy Two counts of second-degree tampering with public records&nbs…

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by Nicole Valinote
Business
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. …

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by Zak Failla
Politics
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…

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by Zak Failla
Business
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 …

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by Zak Failla
Obituaries
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…

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by Joe Lombardi
News
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…

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by Joe Lombardi
Lifestyle
Popular Roadside Long Island Restaurant Stands Out For Takeout Popular Roadside Long Island Restaurant Stands Out For Takeout
Popular Roadside Long Island Restaurant Stands Out For Takeout A popular Long Island roadside eatery was well-prepared for the rush of takeout orders that have overtaken the restaurant industry since the COVID-19 pandemic. Greek Bites Grill and Cafe in Moriches has built up a reputation for serving satisfying Medeteranian food-to-go, quickly as well as providing a charming indoor and outdoor dining experience. Located on Montauk Highway, Greek Bites serves lunch and dinner with a menu that features tzatziki, hummus, skordalia, grilled chicken with pita, spinach and cheese pie, Greek salad, and homemade desserts. Spiro and Dimitra Laopodis opened…

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by Kristin Palpini
News
COVID-19: Long Island Official Calls On Cuomo To Lift Curfew On Bars, Restaurants COVID-19: Long Island Official Calls On Cuomo To Lift Curfew On Bars, Restaurants
Covid-19: Long Island Official Calls On Cuomo To Lift Curfew On Bars, Restaurants Nassau County Executive Laura Curran is calling on New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo to extend the 10 p.m. curfew on bars and restaurants as Long Island continues combating the COVID-19 pandemic. Curran issued a letter to fellow Democrat Cuomo on Tuesday, Feb. 9 requesting that the state adjust the current 10 p.m. curfew to midnight, stating that bar and restaurant owners have shown they can open and operate safely without spreading the virus. In her letter, Curran noted that the restriction hurts the revenue for restaurant owners and also cuts the hours and tips of employees. “I have heard from …

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by Zak Failla
News
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…

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by Zak Failla
Lifestyle
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 …

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by Kathy Reakes
News
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…

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by Zak Failla
Lifestyle
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…

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by Zak Failla
Business
COVID-19: Manhattan Restaurant Workers Looking For Jobs On Long Island COVID-19: Manhattan Restaurant Workers Looking For Jobs On Long Island
Covid-19: Manhattan Restaurant Workers Looking For Jobs On Long Island With some New York City restaurant employees being out of work for months due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many are flocking to the nearby suburbs on Long Island in an effort to find work. While restaurants statewide have largely been permitted to reopen for indoor dining - with strict restrictions in place - it will still be weeks before New York City eateries are permitted to open their doors back up. In response to the work shortage, many restaurant workers have reportedly been flooding Long Island - namely in the affluent East End - looking for jobs during the pandemic. Many restaurants …

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by Zak Failla
Lifestyle
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…

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by Zak Failla
News
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…

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by Joe Lombardi
News
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…

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by Zak Failla
News
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…

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by Zak Failla
Lifestyle
News Of Popular Bayport Restaurant's Closing Saddens Many News Of Popular Bayport Restaurant's Closing Saddens Many
News Of Popular Bayport Restaurant's Closing Saddens Many Reaction to the news of the closing of a popular Bayport farm-to-table restaurant that often features live music was mostly sad. "Food is great. I suggest trying to get there before it’s gone for good," someone posted under the article on Facebook. The owners of Grey Horse Tavern in Bayport announced on the restaurant's Facebook on Friday, May 3 that it will serve its last meal in early June and that the business and building are up for sale. Another Facebook comment said, "It’s business. I don’t see it as sad. I see it as people who’ve had their fill. The place will change hands, and…

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by Donna Christopher