Concessions planned for Times Square pedestrian plazas
Times Square Credit: Getty Images
Table service could be coming to Times Square’s pedestrian plazas.
The Times Square Alliance said Tuesday that they have begun entertaining proposals from food and drink operators who want to provide something to nosh on at the Crossroads of the World. That could happen as soon as this summer.
“Times Square’s spaces used to be something to endure and now they’re a place to be enjoyed,” said Tim Tompkins, president of the business improvement district.
Tompkins said he wants the offerings to be “more substantial” than stand-up food carts, which are not allowed. However, the alliance doesn’t plan to add more seating and tables to the few hundred already in the car-free Broadway plazas between 42nd and 47th streets.
Permanent restaurants wouldn’t be built in the plazas either, but up to five businesses could be allowed to set up temporary structures as part of an initial pilot program.
The alliance said there could also be a delivery service that would provide plaza users food they order from eateries around the Times Square area. Also, for those wanting to imbibe, beer and wine would be permitted in designated areas.
Tompkins said the alliance would receive a cut from any revenue, though the percentage has not yet been worked out. Proposals are due mid-April.
Out East with Doug Geed: Wine harvests, a fish market, baked treats and poinsettias NewsdayTV's Doug Geed visits two wineries and a fish market, and then it's time for holiday cheer, with a visit to a bakery and poinsettia greenhouses.
Out East with Doug Geed: Wine harvests, a fish market, baked treats and poinsettias NewsdayTV's Doug Geed visits two wineries and a fish market, and then it's time for holiday cheer, with a visit to a bakery and poinsettia greenhouses.
