No Fear Here: How New Restaurants Persevered Despite The Pandemic
Photo/Athena Alex Studio
Home to dozens of Michelin-guide restaurants and cuisines spanning continents, Astoria has become known for being one of New York City’s culinary centersGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. Walk to any corner in the neighborhood and get introduced to a different corner of the globeGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. Hundreds of restaurants call Astoria homeGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. So, when COVID-19 hit the city, many were left with tough decisions to makeGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. And, within the first month, billions of dollars in revenue were lost due to restrictions on dining to curb the spread of the virusGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028.
Fortunately, restrictions have eased up and paths have been formed for restaurants to function at a slightly more normal levelGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. Outdoor dining has been permitted in New York City for the last couple of months and will remain in place through October 31st of this yearGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. Delivery and takeout have also been options for patrons who prefer to dine at homeGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028.
And then, there are the restaurants who have opened despite all of the potential challengesGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. Since March, a handful of new restaurants have successfully opened throughout the neighborhoodGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. Their brave and bold decisions show us what it means to be ‘Astoria Strong’Give_Me_Astoria_image_00028.
One such establishment is Niko’s Souvlaki, located at 19-33 Ditmars BoulevardGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. Known for its authentic Greek dishes such as handcrafted gyros, souvlaki, and biftekia (patties), Niko’s Souvlaki fast gained attention for opening during an uncertain moment in timeGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. The restaurant has been highlighted by The Wall Street Journal, NBC New York, and moreGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028.
Niko’s Souvlaki had initially been set to open before the pandemic started, however due to challenges stemming from the virus its opening was temporarily delayedGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. However, owner Niko Lamprou believes in the motto of ‘fortune favors the bold’, and ultimately decided to open up shop in AprilGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028.
“The community hugged us (from a distance) from day oneGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. It makes us feel so great and unique, we feel blessed for the positive reception, repeat customers, and general vibe of community loveGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. We built up our delivery clients in the beginning due to takeout and delivery restrictions, but it turns out people were excited to have a new option, especially during the tough times of the quarantineGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. Since we opened our patio, more and more people are coming in to taste our food and enjoy the ambiance of our corner spot by Astoria parkGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. We couldn’t love our location moreGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. We live in the neighborhood and have loved becoming a part of the community”, said LamprouGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028.
Photo/Athena Alex Studio
Another new establishment embodying the motto of ‘Astoria Strong’: Slush Astoria, located at 36-05 30thAvenueGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. Owners Eric & Olga Schneidemann, a lifelong Queens resident, decided to realize their dream of opening a storefront to create one of Olga’s favorite summer treats growing up: slushiesGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028.
Slush Astoria has fast become a neighborhood favorite, creating freshly handcrafted slushie drinks catered towards the whole familyGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. Customers have the option of creating their own slushie or choosing one from Slush Astoria’s wide-ranging menuGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. Drinks can be made with alcohol as well, but must be accompanied by a food orderGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028.
The concept behind Slush Astoria was to always please each and every customer that comes byGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. The Schneidemanns aim to create a satisfying experience through their freshly crafted beverages for customers to relax and enjoy the warmer days with a refreshing slushieGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. “Astoria has been greatGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. The people are very friendly and the experience has been wonderfulGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. Even though it’s a difficult time, everyone is doing their best and [the community] puts you at ease”, said Olga SchneidemannGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028.
Image/Slush Astoria
“The concept is to bring quality and fresh (farm to table) items and give our customers an experience and not just feed them or make them coffeeGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. We wanted a community coffee shop where we know our customers names, where we can be of any service to themGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. Where we can brighten up a day with knowing we are there”, said RamosGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. Both Ramos & Gonzalez felt where better to bring this to life than Astoria?
The Barn prides itself on its fresh seasonal items, which its team has perfected to crafting unique menu items, such as The Barn’s best selling cold brew coffee, freshly-made smoothies and BGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028.CGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028.EGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028.AGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. (bacon, cheese, egg, and avocado) sandwichGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. The owners of The Barn are grateful to the Astoria community for showing support from the very beginningGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. “The best word to describe it is, blessed! The saying “when something is meant for you the universe conspires in your favor” describes our experienceGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. We have been very blessed in meeting precise people, in having our family, friends and community support us from the beginningGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. When you love what you are doing everything that you give comes right back at youGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. And it has been a great experience we keep learning from everyday”, shared RamosGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028.
