New York City’s Restaurant Scene Faces Uncertainty
New York City Mayor-elect’s radical policy proposals have led renowned restaurateur Stratis Morfogen to cancel plans to open new businesses. He told that he’s pulling the plug on three new eateries, including one in Midtown West.
Concerns Over New Policies
Morfogen decided not to sign a lease on an all-but-completed deal for a new restaurant at West 32nd Street and 10th Avenue. He also put the brakes on new lease signings on the Upper East Side, East 62nd Street and First Avenue, and the edge of the Upper West Side. The mayor-elect’s proposal to raise the city’s minimum wage to $30 by 2030 will "drive fast-casual restaurants out of business," Morfogen predicted.
Impact on Small Businesses
Veteran restaurateur and nightlife guru Richie Romero had the same reaction to the mayor-elect’s surprise win. Romero has halted all new openings except for a new East Village outpost of Sushi By Bou, which began construction months before the election. "The hatred of Jews, socialism, the economy – it’s too much," he said of the mayor-elect. "I had to be vocal. I’m under attack, but it is what it is."
Alternative Plans
Instead of betting on New York, Romero is opening 12 to 15 concepts outside the city in secondary markets — from Atlanta and Dallas to West Palm, Florida. Morfogen also plans to pursue additional opportunities in Miami and other cities. "I won’t be signing any more leases in New York," Morfogen promised. "I’m keeping what I have. We’re not expanding in New York."
Public Safety Concerns
Morfogen worries about public safety under the mayor-elect, an ardent critic of the NYPD. It’s personal for Morfogen, who said illegal immigrants have attacked members of his family in recent years, leading to one of the victims being hospitalized. "I’ve had enough. I love New York City and even after all the destruction with Cuomo during COVID, I was forced to vote for him because anything is better than a socialist communist with crazy anti-small business policies," Morfogen said.
Different Perspectives
Not everyone agrees with Morfogen and Romero. Restaurateur Mark Bucher, co-owner of medium rare restaurants in nine cities including the Big Apple, said he is "always optimistic about New York City" and plans to open a new outpost in Manhattan next year. However, Romero said his main interest in the city is for promotional purposes, not making money. "New York is a showpiece – like Fifth Avenue," he said. "It’s better to open in West Palm, Dallas and Nashville, where they’re more business-friendly. It’s impossible to make money here."
