As New York City kicks off its first Curbside Dining Restaurant Week, local restaurant owners are navigating both the opportunities and challenges that come with the city’s permanent outdoor dining program.

Elona Loperi, owner of Cafe Lounge in Brooklyn, says she’s participated in the outdoor dining program since the city first launched the initiative in 2020, at the height of the COVID pandemic.

"Curbside dining has definitely been a valued asset," Loperi says. "Customers enjoy both the outside and inside experience."

While some restaurants are embracing the momentum, others are still working to comply with new program regulations. Nadia Busuttil, manager of Green Pavilion in Brooklyn, says the transition has been costly.

"We had to hire people to deconstruct some things. We received some fines," Busuttil explained. She’s been covering those expenses out of pocket, hoping her restaurant’s updated setup will be approved under the new guidelines.

With Curbside Dining Week underway, Busuttil is preparing for an uptick in business, even as she waits for the city’s final approval.

"We're hoping our application goes through smoothly. Now, we’re just waiting for the acceptance letter," she says.

In a statement from City Hall, the Adams administration emphasized its continued commitment to supporting small businesses through the outdoor dining program, stating it plans to build on its success.

Additionally, the Department of Transportation has worked hand-in-hand with the City Council to create a permanent program that "preserves the best parts of the temporary pandemic-era program and addresses the quality-of-life concerns we heard around."

This includes noise, in which hours of operation have been adjusted, cleanliness, in which guides are in place to help rat-proof setups and accessibility, by requiring clear paths for sidewalks.

According to the Department of Transportation, more than 3,000 outdoor dining setups have already been permitted across the five boroughs. Restaurants interested in participating can apply for permits at any time throughout the year.