NEW YORK (PIX11) \u2014 One of the earliest signs of spring is making its return across New York City: outdoor dining.<\/p>\n
Outdoor dining structures are expected to go up across the five boroughs, with many already open and serving customers this weekend. For restaurant owners and diners alike, the seasonal comeback signals more than just warmer weather; it\u2019s a boost for small businesses still recovering from the pandemic.<\/p>\n
Discover more local reporting on our homepage <\/a><\/p>\n Outdoor dining, which surged in popularity during COVID-19, has remained a favorite among New Yorkers. Now, with the city\u2019s \u201cDining Out NYC\u201d program resuming, many local leaders and business owners are pushing to make the setups easier to maintain year-round.<\/p>\n In Hell\u2019s Kitchen, restaurant owners say they\u2019re ready. \u201cWe\u2019re going to pull these out, put chairs here, and open all the doors,\u201d said Connie Rogers, owner of Mama Mia.<\/p>\n According to the city\u2019s Department of Transportation, roughly 1,800 roadway dining setups are eligible to operate this season. Sidewalk cafes are permitted year-round, but as of April 1, restaurants can once again expand seating into designated street areas.<\/p>\n For many, the appeal goes beyond just eating outside. \u201cIt\u2019s about getting fresh air, sunshine \u2014 and in New York City, especially near Times Square, it\u2019s all about people-watching,\u201d said Chef Charlie Marshall, owner of The Marshal.<\/p>\n Diners say outdoor seating also creates a sense of community and energy that enhances the city\u2019s atmosphere. Still, for restaurant owners, the program comes with financial challenges. \u201cIf it wasn\u2019t for this, a lot of people wouldn\u2019t be making the money to recover from COVID. I still haven\u2019t recovered yet,\u201d Rogers said.<\/p>\n Costs to operate can add up quickly, with some owners reporting expenses of up to $18,000 for both sidewalk and street setups.<\/p>\n