It does not offer outdoor dining. 3. NJ Restaurants, Gyms and Other Establishments Can Increase to 50% Capacity Next Week PLUS: $108M in FEMA Funds for Vaccine Distribution By … "I think it's terrific," he said. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. Restaurants, cafeterias, food courts, bars, etc. Note to readers: if you purchase something through one of our affiliate links we may earn a commission. The loosened restrictions take effect Friday, March 19 at the following businesses:. Restaurants open for delivery and takeout around New Jersey; Restaurants open for dine-in service around North New Jersey; Restaurants open for dine-in service around Central New Jersey Lois Malenchek, manager of Uncle Vinnie’s Clam Bar in Raritan and daughter of owner Lou Malenchek, sees the increase in restaurant capacity as a move in the right direction — one for which she is very grateful. "I can't see the science or the data that supports any of the decisions that have been made.". The … Indoor dining and certain other businesses in New Jersey increases to 50 percent capacity starting Friday March 19, Gov. “We try to make the crazier milkshakes [packaged] for takeout,” he said. Phil Murphy announced Monday. 157, Executive Order No. Links to industry-specific guidance can be found below. The weather has turned warmer, allowing for outdoor dining, and, as of March 19, restaurants will be able to increase their indoor dining capacity from the current 35% to 50%. Official guidance from the state of New Jersey. New Jersey restaurants, gyms, salons and other indoor recreational activities can boost their capacity to 50%, up from 35%, Gov. The Italian-style seafood restaurant, known as a local watering hole, features a U-shaped bar that takes up a large portion of the restaurant. In normal times, it’s an attraction to the regular crowd, who often chat with fellow customers in the jovial atmosphere. Phil Murphy announced Wednesday that restaurants, gyms/fitness centers, personal care services (hair and nail services) and recreational and amusement facilities will be allowed to operate at 50% capacity, beginning March 19. “But you don’t get the whipped cream overflowing and the full experience unless you’re drinking it at the restaurant.”. Capacity at NJ Restaurants, Gyms, Salons, Barbers Increasing to 50% on March 19, Gov. It’s part of the ambiance and culture. Indoor dining capacity in New Jersey for restaurants will increase from 35 percent to 50 percent, Phil Murphy announced. © 2021 Advance Local Media LLC. “When people come in they’re always amazed by the neon lights and décor. “When you look at most small independent restaurants, 50% is nothing. Restaurants and other businesses can operate at half their maximum indoor capacity starting in less than 10 days, Gov. ", “I really believe we’re almost there,” Lyristis added. Andrew Cuomo and Gov. Restaurants status: Dine-in allowed with restrictions. As 6-foot distancing must still be maintained between tables, St. Pierre’s restaurant doesn’t have enough square footage to increase restaurant capacity any higher than what it is now. Gov. What she and many owners have said they need most is the return of bar seating. Restaurant owners in New Jersey says once outdoor dining becomes limited by the weather, 25% capacity for indoor dining isn’t going to cut it. "As spring approaches, we are hopeful that the warmer weather helps increase sales to assist in making up for some of the losses incurred by the restrictions.”. New Jersey’s indoor capacity limits for restaurants, gyms and other businesses imposed last year due to coronavirus pandemic will increase on Friday morning from 25% to 35%. David Mann, co-owner of Jam Burger in Garfield, said the increased capacity gives the restaurant the ability to better serve and delight customers. Facts-first reporting from the source you trust. Gov. “Nothing but 100% is acceptable at this point,” said Melanie Magaziner, who manages six restaurants on and around Long Beach Island. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Murphy announced starting March 19, restaurants, bars, gyms and other businesses can operate at 50% capacity. Restaurants in New Jersey were first allowed to welcome patrons back inside at a limited capacity in early September, after months of business owners … “I don’t think it will change the scene so much, but it’s also about perception versus reality. While applauding the increase, some restaurateurs say it should have come sooner. With the previous 25% restriction, Kai could accommodate only up to seven diners at each of its three nightly seatings. You don’t get the full effect when you’re not dining in.”. “I think that this is going to boost confidence in diners that they’re deeming it safe enough to have 50% capacity rather than retracting. “One in particular would be allowing guests to enjoy a cocktail at our bar," she continued. The governor said that the number of people at an indoor […] Coffee: Coffee shop regulars, baristas and owners want their third space back after a year of COVID, But to St. Pierre, the increase in capacity is still an improvement, even if not for him personally. "That's good news," said Simon Shargo, owner of Sushi Kai, a 25-seat omakase restaurant in Fort Lee that opened in the fall. ", "It’s really going to help on the weekends," he said, noting that many restaurants don't do more than 30% business on Mondays and Tuesdays. “Thirty-five percent is very difficult. "We are extremely happy," said Marilou Halvorsen, the outgoing president and CEO of the New Jersey Restaurant & Hospitality Association. … Before that, the limit had been 25% for months. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. "It will definitely help." Restaurants, gyms, and other businesses across New Jersey can expand their indoor operations to 35% come Friday as part of an executive order Gov. Matt Arco may be reached at marco@njadvancemedia.com. Phil Murphy announced during a Wednesday morning news conference that restaurants and gyms across the state can expand their indoor capacity … Currently, New Jersey bars and restaurants are not allowed to seat or serve diners at bars. Curfew By JOHN MOONEY. Murphy, a … It's a good opportunity for restaurants to get on their feet.". The increase for indoor capacity came on the day that marks the one-year anniversary of New Jersey's first confirmed COVID19 death. That’s also up from 25%, but keeps the total capacity limit the same. "Capacity changing doesn’t help us as much as allowing us to use an area of our restaurant that is currently being unused. Mexican: From baked goods to authentic Mexican food: 10 new Jersey Shore restaurants to check out. “It’s just so exciting,” she said. “One of our biggest things is aesthetic,” Mann said. NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) — More needed relief is coming to New York City and New Jersey restaurant owners. I’m happy that we’re moving forward. It's in line with what other states are doing. Right now, it should be at least 75% and maybe 100% by the summer.”. … In November, the restaurant underwent a major renovation, adding neon signs, gilded frames holding pictures of milkshakes, records on the wall and more. Even as New Jersey faces new surges in coronavirus cases, Gov. February 3, 2021 at 6:55 PM. According to a release, New Jersey and New York City restaurants are currently operating at 35% capacity, and the rest of New York state is operating at 50% capacity. Nonetheless, many owners remain optimistic as we head toward spring and summer. Therefore, we eagerly await even more lifting of restrictions. I feel hopeful that bar seating is coming next.”, Food: These 10 North Jersey restaurants define New Jersey dining, according to Open Table. New Jersey’s strict coronavirus outbreak capacity limits for restaurants, bars, casinos, gyms, personal care services and amusement venues will … Murphy issued a number of new capacity rulings at his COVID-19 briefing. Restaurants and other businesses in New Jersey will increase to 50% indoor capacity on March 19, while East Orange became one of the first municipalities in the state to launch a mobile health clinic to administer COVID-19 vaccines. I’m taking it as a sign of good things to come. Capacity at NJ Restaurants, Gyms, Salons Going Up to 50% Next Week Dan Stamm 9 hrs ago A string of attacks against Asian Americans has rattled California's Bay Area. •Restaurants. "It is certainly time to do this. Esther Davidowitz is the food editor for NorthJersey.com. Many restaurant owners are thrilled as well. Andrew Cuomo and New Jersey Gov. TRENTON, N.J. (WCBS 880) — Restaurants in New Jersey will be allowed to increase indoor dining capacity to 50% late next week, Gov. “It’s all about positively moving forward,” he said. All rights reserved (About Us). Phil … '', "The idea that Connecticut is going to be at 100% next week and New York state, it's 75% — why are we still at 50%?" New Jersey Gov. Rick St. Pierre, owner of Verve in Somerville, a 25-year-old French bistro and cocktail bar, thinks the direction and intention of increasing indoor restaurant capacity to 50% is great — but the impact, not so much. Phil Murphy said. All may now operate at 35% of capacity. Restaurants in New Jersey will be able to open for indoor dining with reduced capacity starting this week, Gov. “Let there be no mistake, all of the credit goes to the millions of you who have taken your responsibility for ending this pandemic to heart through constant social distancing, wearing your face masks and just exercising common sense,” Murphy said about the move. New Jersey. The timing comes ahead of Super Bowl weekend for bars and restaurants and the order eliminates a previous restriction forcing those businesses to close by 10 p.m. “While some of our numbers are still high,” Murphy said during his regular briefing, “We believe that we can make this expansion without leading to undue further stress on our health care system.”. increase their indoor dining capacity from the current 35% to 50%, These 10 North Jersey restaurants define New Jersey dining, according to Open Table, Coffee shop regulars, baristas and owners want their third space back after a year of COVID, From baked goods to authentic Mexican food: 10 new Jersey Shore restaurants to check out, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. "I'm happy we're moving forward. According to Gov. Restaurant options. Restaurant capacity and other businesses in NJ increased to 50%. Murphy, citing declining hospitalizations, a gradual decrease in new daily case numbers and the lowered rate of transmission of the virus, as reasons why certain businesses can increase indoor capacity. Subscribe now. An Assembly committee approved a package of bills ease restrictions and provide guidance to New Jersey restaurants. This will increase consumer confidence. “Honestly, I think any kind of increase in capacity is going to help,” he said. We're excited.". New Jersey last expanded indoor dining on … Gov. New Jersey Gov. Most businesses can reopen, while following appropriate mitigation requirements. Food or beverage establishments may open, including restaurants, bars, cafeterias, and food courts, as well as all holders of a liquor license with retail consumption privileges. NJ increases indoor capacity for restaurants, other businesses. While restaurants no longer need to close their doors at 10 p.m., municipalities and counties’ may still to enact local curfews that would require restaurants and other businesses to close as early as 8 p.m. Indoor dining reopened in New Jersey in early September. “We are very pleased to see a glimmer of light at the end of this tunnel, so to speak,” said Louise Cornick, co-owner of The Edge restaurant in Jackson. Phil Murphy announced Wednesday. that are still permitted to operate must adopt policies that contain the following provisions: Limit occupancy at 10% of the stated maximum capacity, wherever feasible, at one time; Ensure six feet of distance between workers and customers, except at the moment of payment and/or exchange of goods; will increase to 35% with a maximum of 150 people. Phil Murphy, employees are … “It’s going to be tight,” she said. “But for smaller, more boutique businesses such as mine, 50% doesn’t make a difference, because we will still socially space and make sure the tables are far enough away for people to be comfortable.”. Phil Murphy announced Wednesday.. In New Jersey, hospitalizations have declined by 1,000 since the state last changed its restaurant capacity limit on Feb. 5, Murphy said. Our journalism needs your support. New Jersey’s strict capacity limits for restaurants, gyms and other businesses because of the coronavirus pandemic will increase Friday from 25% to … "It’s wonderful for catering facilities and large-scale eateries,” St. Pierre said. NJ Raises Gym and Restaurant Capacity Limit from 25% to 35%, Ends 10:00 p.m. "Weekends are when the restrictions hurt most restaurant operators.". Phil Murphy announced Monday that restaurants will be allowed to resume dine-in service at a limited capacity on Sept. 4. Verve’s main dining room is 1,600 square feet, and the two other spaces are each 600 square feet. said John Loras, one of a trio of owners of The Pub, a landmark 67-plus-year-old restaurant in Pennsauken. Gov. Thomas Maroulakos, co-owner of the Skopos Hospitality Group (The Barrow House in Clifton, Cowan's Public in Nutley and The Vanguard in Harrison), applauds the move, too. Although it will be difficult to reconfigure seating to maintain a 6-foot distance between tables while also increasing restaurant capacity, Malenchek thinks Uncle Vinnie’s can make it work. Establishments must follow appropriate mitigation requirements detailed in the Department of Health's Protocols for Outdoor Dining, Executive Order No. Starting March 19, restaurants, bars, gyms and other businesses will be able to increase indoor capacity to 50%. March 10, 2021, 5:18 PM. CORONAVIRUS RESOURCES: Live map tracker | Newsletter | Homepage, Indoor seating at bars is still prohibited, however, Murphy said, since it “it creates the danger of close and prolonged proximity between patrons, bartenders, and servers.”, The indoor capacity increase also applies to entertainment and recreation businesses, including casinos and gyms, and all personal care businesses, such as barbershops and salons, Murphy said. Restaurants in New Jersey will similarly reopen at 50 percent capacity the same day. "A lot of people haven't left their homes in the past year. Maroulakos said he had to turn people away on Friday and Saturday nights. Mann also sees the increase in capacity as a way to serve the burgers and crazy milkshakes Jam Burger is known for in the way they were intended to be served. "This gives us the capability to cater to more guests," he said. •Recreational and amusement venues, such as casinos. Phil Murphy on Thursday hinted the state is close to increasing capacity limits on indoor dining at restaurants. Registration on or use of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement, Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement, and Your California Privacy Rights (each updated 1/1/21). New Jersey restaurants and certain businesses will be able to increase their customers to 50% of capacity beginning late next week, the governor’s office has confirmed. said Frank Dougherty, fourth-generation co-owner of Knife and Fork Inn, Dock's Oyster House and Harry’s Oyster Bar, all in Atlantic City. Restaurants in New York City and New Jersey will be permitted to open at 50% of capacity, up from their current 35%, starting March 19, New York Gov. But, he added, "it should have been 50% three months ago. TRENTON, N.J. (AP) - New Jersey restaurants, gyms, salons and other indoor recreational activities can now boost their capacity to 50%, up from 35%. “To put 10 more people in we have to spend a good amount of money putting up Plexiglass, because 6-foot spacing will be harder,” Magaziner said. At one, Mud City Crabhouse in the Manahawkin section of Stafford, increasing capacity to 50% adds 10 people to the dining room. New Jersey’s strict capacity limits for restaurants, gyms and other businesses because of the coronavirus pandemic will increase Friday from 25% to 35% as the outbreak in the state continues to slow and vaccination efforts increase, Gov. Phil Murphy announced on Wednesday. Phil Murphy said Wednesday. For more on where to dine and drink, please subscribe today and sign up for our North Jersey Eats newsletter. New Jersey will increase indoor capacity limits on certain New Jersey businesses from 35% to 50% later this month in response to a steady decline in COVID-19 hospitalizations. Things are looking up for New Jersey's restaurants. Unlike in other states where indoor restaurant capacity has been expanded and, in some cases, later rolled back, this is the first time since Murphy allowed indoor dining to resume that he increased capacity limits. “But I think with a little creativity and a little ingenuity — which is how we have gotten through this, anyway — we can hit 50%.”, “Fifty percent with the outside coming up is going to be perfect,” said George Lyristis, owner of Teak Restaurant in Red Bank, The Bistro at Red Bank and Greek Eats in Shrewsbury and Brick. Murphy also announced the indoor gathering limit for religious ceremonies or services, wedding ceremonies, political activities, and memorial services will increase to 35% with a maximum of 150 people. The new order will go into effect Friday at 8 a.m., he said. Indoor Dining at Viaggio Ristorante in Wayne. “We in the restaurant industry have proven we are more than capable of keeping our guests and staff safe. COVID restrictions for bars, restaurants … Fifty percent is a lot better, especially with the outside and takeout. “And it’s a sign of hope we’re going to get back to normal.”.