The economic benefits of restaurants in Brooklyn, New York are undeniable. A study commissioned by the Ford Foundation surveyed nearly 400 restaurant workers and 250 restaurateurs in the area to assess the needs and conditions of both employers and employees before and after the COVID-19 shutdown. The results were staggering: by April, 70 percent of low-income restaurant workers had lost their jobs, and as of early June, restaurant employment had dropped by more than 50 percent. The survey also revealed that all areas with restaurant-opening programs experienced faster growth in the number of new restaurants and bars during the pandemic compared to other areas. It is estimated that nearly 1000 restaurants have closed permanently in New York City since the start of the pandemic.
Over the past 20 years, restaurant employment in New York has grown by 60 percent and represented about 20 percent of total employment growth in the state. The impacts of these closures reveal deep structural problems within the industry that have long challenged both workers and restaurant owners. Nearly half of restaurant workers in New York, and nearly two-thirds in New York City, are people of color. The economic advantages of restaurants in Brooklyn, New York are clear. Jobs and salaries have increased by 10%, making them a major contributor to the local economy. They are also essential to New York's cultural vibrancy.
On Tuesday, a study that identified its economic benefits gave a boost to a permanent plan to open the streets and eat outside. The economic impact of restaurants in Brooklyn, New York is far-reaching. Not only do they provide jobs and salaries for local residents, but they also contribute to the city's cultural life. Restaurants are an integral part of Brooklyn's identity, providing a place for people to gather and enjoy delicious food. They also provide an important source of revenue for local businesses, helping to keep them afloat during difficult times. The economic benefits of restaurants in Brooklyn, New York are undeniable.
They provide jobs and salaries for local residents, contribute to the city's cultural life, and provide an important source of revenue for local businesses. With a permanent plan to open the streets and eat outside now receiving a boost from a study that identified its economic benefits, it is clear that restaurants will continue to play an important role in Brooklyn's economy for years to come.