New Haven restaurateurs and officials gathered Friday to kick off a new season of outdoor dining in the city in the wake of the state’s extension of pandemic-era permitting.
“The worst is behind us,” said Ricky D. Evans of Ricky D’s Rib Shack, adding that business at his restaurant was still slow and few customers were opting to dine in.
Evans said he plans to set out tables and chairs enough to seat eight diners on the pavement outside of his restaurant as soon as the weather warms up, hoping for an influx of customers as BBQ season returns.
Mayor Justin Elicker and other top officials announced plans for the return of outdoor dining across the city and the restart of the permitting process for restaurants. Applications were available at the event and the city’s online portal for permits was open as of Friday.
“This is a sector we need to support,” said New Haven Economic Development Adminstrator Michael Piscitelli. “We are very excited to get the portal open.”
Ricky D’s Rib Shack, at 302 Winchester Ave, is located across the street from the Winchester Works building, newly home to several growing biotech companies. David Negreiro of Fussy Coffee, a nearby cafe, also spoke at Friday’s event, along with Stacey Porrello of East Rock’s Caffe Bravo.
All of the eateries spoke of their outdoor dining facilities and hopes for a busier spring and summer season.
Outdoor dining was expanded across Connecticut during the first year of the pandemic, and the state Senate unanimously voted this week to extend the right of restaurants to offer al fresco options for another 13 months.
Friday’s event also marked the start of the second stretch of New Haven Restaurant Week, scheduled to last until April 9.
Yale University, Yale New Haven Hospital and the city helped fund the promotion, which involves 50 restaurants and cafes who are offering a range of fixed-price meals, discounts and freebies.
Contact Liese Klein at lklein@newhavenbiz.com.
