By Alex Israel
Community Board 7’s Business & Consumer Issues Committee met earlier this month to review some recent business changes, and announce an upcoming meeting on the struggles of small businesses.
The previous owner of Bistro Cassis at 225 Columbus Avenue (West 70th Street) is retiring, and a man named Stephen Locke is taking over as the new owner. The method of operation and management will remain the same.
The committee announced it will organize a town hall to provide an opportunity for the community to hear about the challenges local businesses face directly from the people dealing with them.
They hope to gather four to five panelists for an hour-long public forum moderated by committee member and Executive Director of the New York City Hospitality Alliance Andrew Rigie in late February, followed by a half hour Q&A.
The committee is in the process of finalizing the details for the event, but are hoping to incorporate perspectives from local property owners, private retailers, restaurateurs, and brokers. Those interested in attending can follow the CB7’s social media accounts and stay tuned to their website for updates on the timing and location.
The committee also approved some sidewalk cafes.
Sido at 267 Columbus Avenue (West 72nd–73rd Streets), Tarallucci E Vino at 475 Columbus Avenue (West 83rd Street), Carmine’s at 2450 Broadway (West 90th–91st Streets), and Marlow Bistro at 1018 Amsterdam Avenue (West 110th Street) each received approval for their applications to renew their unenclosed sidewalk cafés.
Never understood the dire need for these “sidewalk cafes”. Who wants to sit outside with all that soot and pigeon poo blowing onto your food?? Guess it’s no fun for them to dine out unless they can be on display with the hopes that everyone is looking at them!