Clicky

Brookhaven Town approves plan to turn vacant storefronts into expanded seating for restaurants

|

To limit the spread of COVID-19, restaurants across Long Island — and the U.S. — have been forced by municipalities to limit seating capacities.

Things will get worst when outdoor seating diminishes with the colder months rolling in.

That’s no new news.

What is new is a program being rolled out by Brookhaven Town to help eateries hurting because of these limitations.

To do that, the town recently began accepting applications to utilize vacant space within shopping centers for expanded dining.

This will help keep people socially distant while offering extra tables.

The first to take advantage of the program was the Stony Brook Village Center, which this month launched the Take Out Inn in a former Jos. A. Bank store.

The establishment, located in the heart of Stony Brook’s downtown, has seating and access to touchless menus for the area’s local restaurants, including Crazy Beans, Robinson’s Tea Room and Pentimento Restaurant.

“This is a great idea that other communities should embrace to keep restaurants open and profitable throughout the pandemic,” said Brookhaven Town Supervisor Ed Romaine. “These are difficult times and government must be proactive so we can help businesses survive and keep their customers safe.”

Businesses and landlords interested in this program should contact the Brookhaven Town Planning Division at 631-451-6400.

Top: The Take Out Inn in Stony Brook (courtesy)

Our Local Supporters