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All of the NYCUnion Square Hospitality Group商業ses willjoin the list of restaurants that will temporarily closein light of the COVID-19 crisis, according to staffers at multiple restaurants.
With more than 20 restaurants in multiple cities, the Danny Meyer-run company is one of the biggest groups yet to announce a wider shut down. RestaurantsUntitledandthe Modern, which attached to museums that announced closures on Thursday, are ending service, but the company’s standalone restaurants will also be temporarily closing their doors. Businesses include fine dining restaurants likeGramercy Tavern, the more casual barbecue spotBlue Smoke, and counter-service cafeDaily Provisions. The D.C. restaurantswill also close. Staffers told Eater that exact timing for reopening would be determined later.
“This decision brings with it very real sacrifices for our team, but I feel it is necessary that USHG do our part to prevent the spread of this pandemic,” Meyer said in a statement. “By fully facing this storm today, we all hope to return to serving our community sooner than later.”
Other restaurateurs are opting to shut downinstead of staying open at the half-capacitymandated by the state on Thursday, including Eric Ripert, who announced that his luxe seafood tasting restaurantLe Bernardinwould also shut downfor at least two weeks.
As the impact of restaurant closures ripples out to more people in the community, nonprofitRethink Food NYC’sexecutive director Matt Jozwiaksays there is lots of demand for meals and asks any corporate kitchens and closing restaurants to donate excess food or extra to-go containers to those in need.
Though the cityhas offered no-interest loansfor small businesses, restaurant groups and restaurateurs say that aloneis not nearlyenough to help soften the blow of the public health crisis’s anticipated financial impact. Measures for hospitality workers who will likely lose their job includefree legal help if they face eviction, but labor advocates also say more needs to be done, such as expandedpaid sick leave.
This story has been updated with more closings and new information.
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