SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC News) – It’s been a difficult year for New York State restaurants. In Sept., a survey by the New York State Restaurant Association found that nearly two-thirds of restaurants could be closed by the end of the year without additional state or federal help. Onondaga County restaurants have relied on mobile ordering, and whatever limited capacity they can seat, to keep business alive.
For two restaurants on Wescott Street in Syracuse, Beer Belly Pub and Deli, and Rise n’ Shine Diner, this year has brought the same challenges every restaurant is facing.
“There were two and half months where I couldn’t serve beer, so that sucked.” Beer Belly bartender Dylan Volk said.
Between the extended lockdown this spring and limited capacity restrictions that have been in place since June, restaurants have had to constantly evolve.
“All we can do is keep making changes, change with the time, and we’ll survive.” Volk said.
Beer Belly and Rise n’ Shine have been fortunate to have a shared patio space on the backside of the neighboring restaurants. When restaurants began seating people again, Beer Belly and Rise n’ Shine became go-to’s for members of the community because the outdoor seating was such a draw. Throughout the summer, Rise n’ Shine was one of few restaurants in the area to have live music thanks to the additional room the patio provides.
However, with the weather beginning to drop, the outdoor seating option might not be available for much longer. Volk said Beer Belly will try to extend the outdoor dining season for as long possible, but he’s not sure how much longer that means.
“We’re a little worried, but every year we do this,” Volk said. “We’ve been open for 12 years and we’ve had the courtyard for 12 years. We do have heaters back there but they’re not gonna last too long.”
Rise n’ Shine has a different plan from their neighbors. Owner Danielle Mercuri understands the importance of the patio for her business, and she doesn’t want to close it anytime soon. Mercuri has already begun planning a “Winter Wonderland” transformation for the outdoor space. She wants to bring in additional heat lamps, plastic barriers, and even pitch a tent to keep out the snow that will eventually be here.
