The Plan To Transform Arthur Avenue into a 100-Table Piazza
June 29, 2020: Gothamist.com
There’s something new to the Bronx’s historic Little Italy – outdoor tables set up on the sidewalk and curb lane. A plan the Belmont BID is excited about is closing Arthur Avenue weekend evenings to make the street resemble a piazza for outdoor eating. If people enjoy it, perhaps it will be done regularly, even when the pandemic is over. Read more, here.
Reopening Rollback?
June 29, 2020: NBC
Outdoor dining is underway in the Bronx’s Little Italy and it has been a great way to welcome back guests. The City advised indoor dining might not be a part of phase 3 which is worrisome to eateries like Emilia’s Restaurant which has already begun work on putting up partitioners between tables. Watch the segment, here.
Restaurants Open for Outdoor Dining
June 27, 2020: News 12 The Bronx
It’s the first weekend for outdoor dining citywide. Through the open restaurant plan, eateries can set up tables and chairs on the sidewalk and curb lane. Despite some showers, many were eager to feast. Watch the segment, here.
Bronx’s Little Italy is in full swing for outdoor dining, eager for phase 3
June 26, 2020: amNY
Merchants and eateries along the Bronx’s Little Italy intend on moving full speed ahead to close Arthur Avenue for piazza style, outdoor dining on weekends. Restaurant owners are still looking forward to phase three to welcome back their loyal customer base for indoor dining at reduced capacity. Read more, here.
Around the Boroughs
June 23, 2020: NY1
A new experience can be available in the Little Italy section of the Bronx if the Belmont BID gets approval from the City for an expanded outdoor dining plan. The plan would close Arthur Avenue from East 188th Street to Crescent Ave to vehicular traffic on weekend evenings. If customers and visitors enjoy the piazza feel, perhaps it will last even longer shares Belmont BID chairman, Peter Madonia. Watch the segment, here.
The Bronx’s Little Italy plans to open piazza-style outdoor dining on weekends
June 23, 2020: Time Out New York
If Little Italy in the Bronx has its way, businesses along Arthur Avenue will have a piazza for additional outdoor dining on weekends. The plan, awaiting approval from DOT will allow eateries to set up additional seating outside as they look to recoup lost businesses in the past few months. Maria Di Rende, owners of Enzo’s of Arthur Avenue is embracing the idea which is the norm in Italy. Read more, here.
Arthur Avenue Restaurants Start Outdoor Dining
June 22, 2020: PIX 11
Arthur Avenue restaurants have set up tables outdoors and finally welcomed back guests. The Belmont BID has a plan to expand the outdoor seating currently available by closing down 3 blocks of Arthur Avenue to create a piazza. In the meantime, establishments like Mike’s Deli and San Gennaro Restaurant are thankful to be able to serve outdoors in the lively neighborhood. Watch the segment, here.
Road to Recovery
June 22, 2020: NBC
Outdoor dining started today in NYC, and restaurant owners are thrilled to welcome back guests. San Gennaro Restaurant and Mike’s Deli are just some of the local businesses providing an authentic Italian experience outside. It’s a rebirth, after only being allowed to do takeout for three months. Watch the segment, here.
Outdoor Dining to Resume
June 22, 2020: 1010WINS
Many of us are looking forward to outdoor dining. Ralph Napolitano of Ann & Tony’s wants to make sure their customers are safe and happy. They’re ready to get back in business. Listen to the segment, here.
Phase II opens Monday, customers return
June 21, 2020: The CATS Roundtable
As NYC gets ready for Phase Two, Maria Di Rende of Enzo’s of Arthur Avenue is looking forward to welcoming back guests and serving outdoors. They will be following all the proper protocols, including placing tables six feet apart and having staff wear masks. Listen to the segment, here.
Outdoor Dining
June 19, 2020: 710 WOR
Peter Madonia, Chairman of the Belmont BID, states how Phase 2 will bring the Arthur Avenue neighborhood back to life. Restaurants will be able to start outdoor dining and the community is looking forward to it. As part owner of Madonia Bakery, he shares that he’s fortunate the bakery never had to close and were able to continue to pay their employees. Listen to the segment, here.
Phase 2 Begins on Monday with Outdoor Dining
June 18, 2020: News 12 The Bronx
New York City will be in Phase Two on Monday, and that means outdoor dining for restaurants of Bronx Little Italy. With the City’s permission, the Belmont BID has plans to give restaurants even more space for tables by closing down streets to vehicular traffic during dinner time Thursdays – Saturdays and starting in the afternoon on Sundays. Arthur Avenue can become an Italian piazza, perhaps even after the novel coronavirus pandemic. Watch the segment, here.
Road to Re-Opening
June 18, 2020: CBS
Enzo’s of Arthur Avenue has begun setting up outdoor tables as NYC approaches Phase Two of re-opening. Owner, Maria DiRende, has been looking forward to this moment and welcoming everyone back. The Napolitano family of Ann & Tony’s misses serving their customers and seeing the happy faces of people enjoying food. For their re-opening they plan to serve the same specials that were available on the last day they were open. Watch the segment, here and read more, here.
NYC Phase Two: Restaurants Ready
June 18, 2020: FOX 5
As NYC approaches Phase Two of re-opening, the restaurants of Bronx Little Italy are excited to start welcoming guests. Enzo’s of Arthur Avenue will be setting up tables outside and is looking forward to getting back their livelihood. The Belmont BID is looking forward to working with the City on its own plan that would temporarily close Arthur Ave to vehicular traffic to allow for even more outdoor seating starting in the summer. Watch the segment, here.
Outdoor Dining
June 18, 2020: Eater
The Belmont Business Improvement District is looking to close portions of Arthur Avenue in the Bronx, which is heavily populated by Italian restaurants and delis, for outdoor dining on specific days and times that would be beneficial for the neighborhood as a whole. Read more, here.
Road to Recovery
June 17, 2020: NBC
NYC is almost ready to enter Phase Two of re-opening. Enzo’s Restaurant is looking forward to welcoming guests back with outdoor dining. Watch the segment, here.
That’s amore! Arthur Avenue planning to close block for in-street dining on weekends
June 17, 2020: amNY & Bronx Times
The Belmont BID has developed a plan that, if approved by the City, will allow for food service establishments to place tables outside on the curb and roadway. Part of the initiative includes closing Arthur Avenue to vehicular traffic on evenings Thursdays – Saturdays and from the afternoon to evening on Sundays. Read more, here and here.
Bronx Business Getting Help From Its Neighbors
June 15, 2020: Food Network
Grilled seafood pasta is a dish perfect for summer, and all the ingredients can be purchased on Arthur Avenue – the closest to Italy you could get in the US. The Kitchen states the dish is inspired by coastal Italian towns and is simple and flavorful. Watch the segment, here.
The most New York films about New York
June 14, 2020: City & State New York
With many businesses still closed, it is a great time to watch movies at home, and luckily New York is the subject of many great films. One of the greats is “A Bronx Tale” taking place entirely in Belmont – a neighborhood better known as the Little Italy of the Bronx – where the film’s writer and star Chazz Palminteri grew up. Read more, here.
Bronx Business Getting Help From Its Neighbors
June 13, 2020: NY1
After being looted and vandalized, a GoFundMe has been set up by the landlord of Joe’s Little Italy Pizza on East 187th Street. The owner, Chris Castelan feels grateful and is keeping positive. He is happy he can continue doing what he loves – making pizza for the community. Watch the segment, here.
We’re Open – Joe’s Little Italy Pizza
June 12, 2020: News 12 The Bronx
Joe’s Little Italy Pizza on East 187th Street has had a challenging 2020, first with dealing with business challenges due to coronavirus and most recently with vandalism. However, owner Chris Castelan, continues to look on the bright side of things.With his landlord, a colorful mural has been painted on plywood, by artist Cope, so the community can see something beautiful instead of a boarded up store. Watch the segment, here.
Residents in the Bronx’s Little Italy rally for looted pizza owner
June 12, 2020: Bronx Times
Like many small businesses, Joe’s Little Italy on East 187th St has been working hard to stay afloat. However, after recently being looted, the Bronx community is rallying together to help the eatery “pick up the pizzas” with the hopes of keeping the business alive. Read more, here.
Bringing summer travel to homes – upcoming Italian virtual experiences
June 9, 2020: Bronx Times
While many have had to adjust their summer travel plans due to COVID-19, Arthur Avenue Food Tours has come up with a solution to satisfy the jet-setting crowd. They’ll be bringing Italy to homes across the nation through a six-week cookbook club featuring all the best south Italy has to offer. The program features cooking classes, interactive wine classes, cultural tours, and a weekly cocktail hour! Read more, here.
Joe’s Little Italy Pizza
June 5, 2020: La Bonita MX MIX
Joe’s Little Italy Pizza, owned by Chris Castelan, has been affected by the novel coronavirus pandemic and recent looting. The community created a GoFundMe to help support Chris so he can continue running his business and feeding the neighborhood he loves. Read more, here.