Please do not leave this page until complete. This can take a few moments.
Warm temperatures that allowed for comfortable outdoor dining are largely gone until next year. But Worcester officials are looking to give restaurants every chance they can to make ends meet during the coronavirus pandemic by continuing to serve patrons more safely outdoors.
City Manager Edward Augustus signed an executive order Wednesday allowing Worcester restaurants to continue serving patrons outside in cases where it wasn't previously allowed, giving 96 restaurants across the city the option to operate in places such as in tents set up in parking lots. A previous order by Augustus was set to expire Nov. 1. The city's License Commission is set to meet Friday to extend the expiration date of licenses that have temporarily allowed such outdoor dining.
The extension, Augustus said in a statement, is aimed at helping both the city's economic wellbeing and public health.
[Related: No limits: Lifting liquor license caps produces vibrant restaurant districts]
The city administration is separately working on other regulatory or zoning changes that will allow restaurants to continue serving outdoors during the cooler months. A zoning amendment proposal is expected to be submitted to the City Council for approval this fall.
Restaurant revenue in Worcester fell 41% during the second quarter of the year, from April to June, according to the Massachusetts Department of Revenue. From April to the end of September, such revenue was down 33%.
Since the pandemic hit, restaurants including Wexford House, Save Point Tavern, Corner Grill, Blue Shades and Shangri-La have closed permanently, and Armsby Abbey has shuttered indefinitely. At the Grid District downtown, four eateries will close for at least the winter: The Worcester Beer Garden, Franklin Street Fare, Revolution Pie + Pint and Craft Table & Bar.
What is the percentage of business restaurants are going to get from outside diners at this point in the year?
Stay connected! Every business day, WBJ Daily Report will be delivered to your inbox by noon. It provides a daily update of the area’s most important business news.
Sign upWorcester Business Journal provides the top coverage of news, trends, data, politics and personalities of the Central Mass business community. Get the news and information you need from the award-winning writers at WBJ. Don’t miss out - subscribe today.
SubscribeWorcester Business Journal presents a special commemorative edition celebrating the 300th anniversary of the city of Worcester. This landmark publication covers the city and region’s rich history of growth and innovation.
See Digital EditionStay connected! Every business day, WBJ Daily Report will be delivered to your inbox by noon. It provides a daily update of the area’s most important business news.
Worcester Business Journal provides the top coverage of news, trends, data, politics and personalities of the Central Mass business community. Get the news and information you need from the award-winning writers at WBJ. Don’t miss out - subscribe today.
Worcester Business Journal presents a special commemorative edition celebrating the 300th anniversary of the city of Worcester. This landmark publication covers the city and region’s rich history of growth and innovation.
In order to use this feature, we need some information from you. You can also login or register for a free account.
By clicking submit you are agreeing to our cookie usage and Privacy Policy
Already have an account? Login
Already have an account? Login
Want to create an account? Register
In order to use this feature, we need some information from you. You can also login or register for a free account.
By clicking submit you are agreeing to our cookie usage and Privacy Policy
Already have an account? Login
Already have an account? Login
Want to create an account? Register
This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. Our privacy policy
To ensure the best experience on our website, articles cannot be read without allowing cookies. Please allow cookies to continue reading. Our privacy policy
1 Comments