The transit system in New York has recently experienced a surge in the presence of restaurants and food and beverage tenants, offering commuters a variety of dining options. In an effort to fill 121 out of 195 vacant retail spaces, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) is upgrading these areas to accommodate coffee shops and pastry outlets.
Businesses such as Tiny Dancer coffee shop and Nothing Really Matters bar, located at the 50th Street 1 train station, have proven to be successful in the transit system. Adrian Gallo, owner of See No Evil, a sit-down pizza restaurant, has faced challenges in opening a restaurant at this location but was determined to make it work.
Gallo noted the condition of the space when he first walked in, which was previously used for Duane Reade storage. Despite the empty, raw state of the area, he chose to take the opportunity and open his restaurant. Notably, due to the absence of gas in the building, Gallo had to research alternative options such as electric ovens to effectively operate his business.
The MTA’s Chief of Real Estate Transactions and Operations of Food and Beverage Sales, David Florio, acknowledged that the introduction of food and beverage options in the subway was prohibited for many years. However, the MTA has successfully reintroduced these offerings, catering to the preferences of their customers. Florio also highlighted the logistical challenges that the agency faced in expanding food offerings, particularly in terms of utilities for the spaces, such as water and electrical upgrades.
In an effort to enhance the retail options within the subway system, the MTA is currently negotiating 31 spaces for various businesses, including former locations such as the Record Mart in Times Square. Additionally, new vending machines are making a comeback on subway platforms, providing a convenient option for commuters.
The MTA is open to receiving new proposals from businesses, including small, independently owned stores. With an aim to cast a wider net within the system, the agency is looking to revitalize the subway retail spaces and bring diverse and appealing retail tenants to the transit system.
As a result, the subway system is becoming more than just a means of transportation, but also a destination for dining and retail experiences. The introduction of food and beverage tenants in these retail spaces represents an exciting opportunity to transform the subway into a vibrant and dynamic environment for commuters and visitors alike.