Danny Meyer’s hospitality group will pre-emptively close its restaurants for indoor dining and become takeout only because of rising COVID-19 cases in the city.
Gramercy Tavern, Union Square Cafe and Blue Smoke in Battery Park, all of which have been allowing customers to dine outdoors and indoors at 25 percent capacity, will now be open solely for takeout, according to a press release from Union Square Hospitality Group.
“Given the growing number of positive COVID-19 cases in New York City, and even within our own USHG community, we are making the decision that is in the best interest of the health and safety of our people,” said Meyer in a statement.
USHG owns and operates more than 19 NYC eateries. In addition to these three, Daily Provisions and Tacocina also remain open for carryout service. Many of the other spots have been shuttered to the public since the pandemic began.
“This will allow our teams to put 100% of their efforts into cooking amazing food that you can enjoy in the comfort and safety of your own home, whether picked up contact-free or delivered to you,” the statement continued.
Meyer believes his restaurants will remain takeout only until the weather allows for outdoor eating again.
“The minute winter weather is behind us and the environment returns to feeling safe, we will eagerly return to on-site dining — first on our sidewalks, and eventually in our dining rooms,” the release read.
It urged customers to continue to support their businesses by ordering takeout and delivery, buying gift cards for the holidays and contributing to employee relief funds.
This week, The Post exclusively reported that New York City could see another round of restrictions aimed at restaurants as early as next week.