It was clear in the early days of the coronavirus pandemic that the restaurant industry was in serious trouble. While many restaurants that were shuttered for months during the height of COVID-19 have since reopened and are offering dining outdoors and even indoors, many were forced to close for good.

Data from the food review website Yelp showed back in July that nearly 16,000 restaurants across the country had closed because of COVID-19, and that number has only increased. Dozens of New Jersey restaurants have closed for good because of the economic crunch of coronavirus. The months of relying on takeout and delivery in an industry that already operates with razor-thin margins was too much for many to survive.

Even a return to outdoor, and then indoor dining, wasnt enough to save others. The list is likely to get longer as temperatures drop and indoor dining is less desirable. Here is the list.

If you know of any restaurants in New Jersey that have closed permanently because of COVID-19, please send a note to jschneider@njadvancemedia.com.

Alfonsos Pastry Shoppe, Red Bank

A Staten Island-based bakery that opened its Jersey location in 2019 in the space that once held Cake Boss Buddy Valastros Carlos Bakery Shop, the shop closed in June after just 17 months of business. Their Staten Island bakery is still open.

A Toute Heure, Cranford

An American bistro with a menu that changed monthly, it announced in August it was closing its doors after 13 years. It is with a heavy heart that we have to say goodbye, the restaurant said in an email to customers. We are in deep gratitude for the years of your patronage and humbled by your love and support as we navigated through these last few months.

Bisque Restaurant, Ship Bottom

While the Jersey Shore did its best to salvage its most important season, its no surprise that many restaurants in the area struggled despite it being summer. Bisque, an upscale BYOB seafood restaurant that opened on Long Beach Island in 2005, was one of them.

Bistro 18, Montclair

Billed as New American cuisine with European and Asian influences" with burgers, pasta, seafood and steaks among their offerings, Bistro 18 opened in 2008 and was part of the towns rich downtown restaurant scene before shutting down because of the pandemic.

Brickwall Tavern and Dining Room, Burlington City

While Brickwall Taverns original location is still open in Asbury Park, the Burlington County outpost that opened in an old firehouse in 2015 announced in July it wouldnt be reopening.

Unfortunately, in this incredibly difficult time for restaurants across the country, we can no longer keep going, the restaurant announced on Facebook.

Brio Tuscan Grille, Cherry Hill

The Italian chain shut 71 of its locations down during COVID-19 and only the 21-best performing restaurants stayed open. The Cherry Hill location, which had been open for more than 10 years, didnt make the cut. The chains Marlton location eight miles east is still open.

Buddakan, Atlantic City

The New American Asian chain with locations in Philadelphia and New York City announced in October it had closed its Atlantic City location inside Playground Pier on the Atlantic City boardwalk.

It was a nice run, but we had to say goodbye, Philadelphia restaurateur Stephen Starr told The Associated Press. We couldnt continue in this environment with the coronavirus and the current state of the pier. There was barely anyone left there except us.

Caf Fiori, Randolph

If Italian chains are hurting during this, you know family restaurants are as well. Caf Fiori announced in August it was closing after 11 years of service.

The epidemic and financial struggles associated with it have decimated the restaurant business as a whole and the effects have finally become too much for our family to bear anymore. We want to thank the entire town and community for their support during these trying times, the restaurant said in an Instagram post.

The Cassidy Bar + Kitchen, Maplewood

A town favorite that opened in a former post office in 2017, The Cassidy said at the end of July it would not be able to endure the economic impact of this pandemic." Owners Jennifer and Tom Carlin are still operating The Gladstone Tavern

Charlie Browns Fresh Grill, Chatham, Denville and Wayne

Charlie Browns has changed a lot in the past decade, rebranding in 2010 from Charlie Browns Steakhouse to Charlie Browns Fresh Grill. While its locations in Scotch Plains, Edison and Lakewood are still open, its a far cry from the dozens of locations it once had throughout the state.

Cucharamama, Hoboken

Maricel Presilla is the only chef in New Jersey to win two prestigious James Beard awards. And even her highly regarded South American restaurant couldnt survive the pandemic, closing in March after more than 16 years in the Mile Square City.

Pandemics have the insidious ability to disrupt much more than peoples health. Just as thousands of lives have been taken, peoples dreams and their hard work of years have been shattered forever too," Presilla said in a Facebook post. "And thats exactly what happened to me and my business partner Clara Chaumont.

El Cocotero, Jersey City

Plenty of New York eateries have made the jump across the river to Jersey Citys downtown neighborhood. El Cocotero took its Venezuelan cuisine to less heralded but still up and coming McGinley Square in 2016. Unfortunately it closed down in April.

The Continental, Atlantic City

Also owned by Stephen Starr, The Continental was for Brussels sprouts, wasabi mashed potatoes and massive martinis, but was unable to survive the month of no business during the coronavirus crisis.

The occupancy in Atlantic City, for sure, would not have been there, not being able to host the large conferences and concerts that enable us to be profitable, Executive Chef Kris Neff told The Associated Press.

Flaky Tart, Atlantic Highlands

The New York Times called The Flaky Tarts chocolate chip cookies pure buttery bliss. Owner Marie Jackson was a James Beard semifinalist. But being one of the most beloved bakeries in New Jersey doesnt make it immune from COVID-19. The slowdown in business from the pandemic closed The Flaky Tart at the end of September.

The decision to close our bakery was extremely difficult and saddening, the bakerys website now reads. We are humbled by all your kind words and well wishes and are in hopes you follow us on our next ventures.

Freelance Bistro, Newton

James Young bought the bistro that opened in January 2019 back in November and added comfort food to the Italian-heavy menu, according to NorthJersey.com, but sadly had to close the restaurant on June 1.

There was no surviving COVID, Young told NorthJersey.com.

Fromage Grill, Cranford

The name doesnt quite translate to grilled cheese, but thats what the Union County restaurant served gourmet takes on the classic sandwich. The restaurant announced in September it was closing its doors for good.

We will miss the many familiar faces and loyal customers weve had over the last four years," the restaurant said on its Facebook page. "We wish the best to our fellow Cranford businesses during these trying times.

Front Street Trattoria, Red Bank

Valerie and Michael Aufiero ran Front Street Trattoria for 35 years and already were planning for retirement. But the COVID-19 pandemic sped up that plan, and they ended their multi-decade run in July.

The Greek Flame, Haworth

Chef Tricia Vanech greek restaurant closed after nearly three years in Bergen County in mid-July, deciding to not renew its lease based on what COVID-19 was doing to the restaurant industry.

With the COVID-19 situation and the unknown we decided it was time to focus on our next chapter, the restaurant said in a Facebook post.

The Jackson Diner, Jackson

There is no type of restaurant more synonymous with New Jersey than the diner. Unfortunately, the pandemic was too much for The Jackson Diner to stand.

We apologize for this news, as we are deeply saddened by this decision as well. We would like to extend a special thank you to the employees, whom we consider family for all of their hard work and dedication," The Zimmermann Family, which owned the diner, said on Facebook. "It has been an honor to be apart of the Jackson Community and serve every patron that walked though the doors over the past 12 years, we are truly grateful.

Jakes Restaurant & Bar, Flemington

Jakes had 15 beers on tap, more than 50 types of bottled beers and even a revered wine list. But even so, after 30 of years of serving Hunterdon County, the restaurant that balanced upscale and no-frills sports bar closed for good in April.

We want to sincerely thank you, our beloved guests, and the local Flemington community that we have been so proud to be a part of for these past 30 years," the restaurant wrote on Facebook. "You all have been the heart and soul of Jakes. And youve made this an unforgettable ride. Thank you.

La Campagna Ristorante, Morristown

After 25 years as a staple of Morristowns restaurant scene, La Campagna Ristorante closed its doors this summer.

As a result of the financial challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic we regret that we can no longer operate, The restaurant wrote on its website. It saddens us that we will no longer be part of the Morristown restaurant scene. We want to thank all our employees and loyal guests that supported us during better times.

Laurel & Sage, Montclair

Its hard to stand out in Montclairs vaunted restaurant scene, but Laurel & Sages modern American cuisine with international flair did just that and New York Times gave it an Excellent rating in 2016. But even so, the 5-year-old restaurant closed during the pandemic.

Le Bon Choix, Ridgewood

Rotisserie chicken may be simple, but Le Bon Choix (French for the right choice) did it so well that The New York Times took notice. Opened in 2014, it closed because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Libbys Lunch, Paterson

New Jersey has a rich hot dog history, especially in North Jersey. Part of that history was lost when Libbys Lunch, a no-frills joint that served Texas Weiners deep-fried hot dogs topped with chili right by Patersons Great Falls closed after 90-plus years.

Paterson is home and family to our family. You all have a special place in our heart. Thanks for all of the great memories for myself and my family," Libbys wrote on Facebook.

Modine, Asbury Park

One of the first big names to close during the coronavirus pandemic, but sadly not the last. Popular southern restaurant Modine, beloved for its fried chicken with honey, closed in June after COVID-19 exacerbated the already struggling restaurants financial issues.

It wasnt like we were super profitable, and then COVID happened, co-owner Steve Mignogna told NJ.com. We went from just scraping by to now in a deep hole that you cant really get out of, and we didnt see anything changing in the next couple months.

Morristown Pancake House, Morristown

While the breakfast restaurants locations in Maywood and Rutherford are open the Morristown eatery closed its doors in July.

We are not able to keep our doors open with sales from take out alone (it accounts for less than 5% of our business) and our location does not allow for any outdoor seating that will meet the governors requirements, the restaurant posted on Facebook.

Nunzios Dolce Vita, Morristown

Nunzio Cassara was born in Sicily and came to the United States at the age of 10, and his Italian restaurant in Morristown was open for four years before COVID-19 closed it at the end of July.

Unfortunately due to coronavirus our business has not made the money it takes to pay rent and so Friday July 31 will be our last day open, Cassara wrote on Instagram. Thanks to all our followers for your patronage, feedback and support over the last 4 years.

Pairings Palate + Plate, Cranford

With an ever-changing menu filled with plates like pineapple guacamole with an olive oil crisp and red velvet cake topped with mascarpone ice cream, Pairings Palate + Plate opened in 2011 and was another New Jersey restaurant that garnered New York Times attention. But the acclaimed spot closed at the end of June.

We have been honored to know you all and be a part of your daily dining and family celebrations and nothing would make us happier than to keep doing so," the restaurant wrote on Facebook. "However, due to the Covid 19 pandemic, it is untenable for us to continue. It is with heavy hearts that we have to cease all operations at Pairings at this time.

Paolos Gourmet, Westwood

Part cafe and restaurant, part tiny grocery store, Paolos Gourmet opened in 2018 and served up Italian specialities, coffee, and delectable plates of pasta in a bright space painted all white. But the shop closed this summer amid the COVID-19 slowdown.

Plum on Park, Montclair

A classy take on a diner loved for its ricotta pancakes and gluten-free treats, owner Natalie Lee decided to use the COVID-19 shutdown as an opportunity to pivot into a Jewish deli.

I had a choice, Lee told NorthJersey.com. Im either going to close up the business and walk away, or I try what I wanted to do four years ago in that spot." The space is now home to Mikki & Als Noshery.

Six Brothers Diner, Little Falls

One of North Jerseys cherished diners right on Route 46 and a late-night go to for students from nearby Montclair State University, it was struggling because of nearby construction for years but COVID-19 finally closed its doors after years of service.

"It is with a heavy heart that we announce the permanent closing of Six Brothers Diner after over twenty years of proud service to our community, the diners said on Facebook. We will be forever grateful to our customers for their support and allowing us to be a part of so many special memories.

Square 1, Jersey City

A cozy cafe in Jersey Citys health food-starved Journal Square neighborhood, Square 1 served sandwiches, salads, coffee and more for nearly four years before COVID-19 shut it down in early August.

We are sending a huge hug and thank yous to all our friends, loyal customers, and staff who contributed to our double-digit year-over-year increases until COVID-19, the restaurant wrote on its website.

Stewarts Root Beer, Hazlet

The drive-in joint known with 30 locations in the U.S. and 20 throughout New Jersey known for burgers and root beer floats closed on Sept. 8 because of the COVID-19 slowdown.

We have served our community well and unfortunately its time to move on, Stewarts Root Beer said on Facebook. I hope everyone gets a chance to come in one more time before we close.

Technique, Westwood

After a year and a half of serving French food like escargot, coq au vin and duck confit, the COVID-19 pandemic led Technique chef and owner Ross Goldflam to close his restaurant in June, saying the situation forced him to reevaluate his priorities.

In some ways the coronavirus had nothing to do with this, Goldflam told NorthJersey.com. In some ways, the coronavirus had everything to do with it.

Tiffin, East Hanover

An Indian restaurant with a huge lunch buffet that was also BYOB, it unfortunately did not survive the COVID-19 pandemic and closed its doors.

Tuckerton Beach Grille, Tuckerton

Tuckerton Beach Grille, a restaurant known for hosting live music, opened briefly for indoor dining before deciding to close its doors on Sept. 10.

After much deliberation we came to a decision to PERMANENTLY CLOSE operations at Tuckerton Beach Grille. WE ARE SO VERY SADDENED about this decision," the restaurant wrote on Facebook. "As TBG restaurant owners, Romeo and Valerie are devastated by the prolonged pandemic and the effects of the continued shut-downs of businesses in NJ.

Via45, Red Bank

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40 popular N.J. restaurants that have closed for good due to COVID-19 - NJ.com

Last updated on October 7th, 2020 at 01:04 pm

The Huron Building, downtown Milwaukees newest office building, is expecting its anchor tenant to begin moving in this month, and is anticipating its ground-floor restaurant to open in the spring.

Josh Jeffers, president of Milwaukee-based J. Jeffers & Co., which developed the Huron Building, said law firm Husch Blackwell will begin moving its Milwaukee office into the building near the end of the month. Build-out work is still occurring, and the firm hasnt yet obtained occupancy permits.

North Carolina-based restaurant Tupelo Honey is meanwhile forging ahead with its new location in the Huron Building as well. Jeffers said the restaurant will open in the two-story retail space facing Clybourn Avenue in late spring. The opening was pushed back from October due to the COVID-19 pandemic, he added.

The 11-story, roughly 287,000-square-foot Huron Building sits at 511 N. Broadway, northwest of Clybourn Street and Broadway. It has roughly 163,000 square feet of office space, 8,500 square feet of ground-floor retail space and 240 interior parking stalls across five floors.

Guiding a media tour of the building on Monday afternoon, Jeffers pointed out features such as the tenant lounge, 2,000-square-foot fitness room and a 2,000-square-foot outdoor terrace on the eighth floor, gray boxed office spaces ready for tenant build-outs, the interior parking garage and the two-story retail space.

Jeffers showed off the building roughly a year and a half after construction began. Jeffers & Co. and Madison-based contractor Stevens Construction Corp. ceremoniously broke ground on the project in May 2019.

Construction of the building was completed five weeks ahead of schedule. Jeffers said this was from a number of factors, including some related to the COVID-19 pandemic. He said the pandemic delayed some projects, causing contractors to focus their attention on ongoing projects like the Huron Building. He also noted no one working on the job site got sick, which meant the project didnt lose any days.

Stevens Construction also shrank the time it took to complete pile driving by having more people on site than normal performing the work. Jeffers said it also helped that the contractor was also heading up construction of three new hotels just east of this project site.

Weve consistently been ahead of schedule for over a year, he said.

Husch Blackwell is leasing 71,000 square feet on the top three floors. There is still more than 78,000 square feet of office space available in the building, according to marketing materials from Founders 3. The Milwaukee-based brokerage firm is representing Jeffers & Co. in leasing out the building.

There are still two retail spaces available for lease, said Jeffers. One space, perhaps best suited for a coffee shop, faces Broadway Avenue just off the building lobby. The other is on the west side of the building, and is drawing interest from banks for retail branches, Jeffers said. Each retail suite totals roughly 2,500 square feet.

Ned Purtell, principal with Milwaukee Founders 3, said there has been interest in the Huron Building from prospective office tenants just not as much as there would be normally due to the pandemic.

The volume of people looking is less than what it is in normal times, but we still have a very good list of prospects, Purtell said. He added that many office users are holding off on making big changes for a year or two, until the world is more certain.

We (Jeffers & Co.) are probably not going to do a tremendous amount of leasing in the next six months or 12 months, but we do have a lot of great interest in later 21, and beyond, Jeffers said.

Jeffers said the $60 million development has 475 investors. This includes more than 400 investors who contributed a total of $14 million through crowdfunding site Crowdstreet.

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Jeffers reveals Huron Building in downtown Milwaukee, with anchor tenant soon moving in - BizTimes - Milwaukee Business News

By Joe Southern editor@sealynews.com

From major, high profile projects to minor building renovations, the Sealy Economic Development Corporation currently has 36 done deal projects in the works with more prospects coming in all the time. That list does not include the grocery store H-E-B.

We have been told by H-E-B that theyre coming, said Robert Worley, executive director of the Sealy EDC. There are two things that are really important to H-E-B. The first is new homes and apartments in Sealy.

Worley said there are currently 1,500 housing units under construction in Sealy, most of them single family homes.

The second is the completion of Interstate 10, he said.

Worley said the combined capital investment of the 36 projects in Sealy is $450 million. He said with other pending projects not on the list that could swell to $700 million within a few months.

I think thats just phenomenal, he said.

In a report he issued jointly with Warren Escovy, the assistant city manager and planning director, he said Sealy currently has a total taxable value of $774 million. It took Sealy 141 years to get to $774 million, he said, noting that the $450 million in capital investment will be added to Sealys tax base within five years.

Thats the rock-bottom minimum that will make its way to the tax base, he said.

The biggest of the projects is Hailiang Copper Texas, a copper manufacturing facility currently under construction at the site of the former BAE Systems. That project has a capital investment of $165 million. Hendrix Industries, a quartz countertop manufacturer, is due to break ground soon on a $35 million project. In the planning phase is a strip shopping center that will include a Taco Bell restaurant.

Several of the larger projects are housing developments. The Retreat at Sealy, a 196-unit apartment, is well into construction with a capital investment of $16 million. Harvest Moon Apartments is constructing a 75-unit complex ($8 million), another unnamed 90-unit apartment complex is in the planning phase ($8.1 million), Dove Landing, a 114-lot single family housing development is under construction ($11.5 million), and Hunter Crossing, a 158-unit single family housing development just broke ground next to Sealy Elementary ($20 million).

Not all of the projects will add to the tax base. Among those are the Austin County EMS station near completion and three others are for nonprofit organizations.

Of the 36 projects identified on the list, 20 are existing building and retail projects downtown, including a restaurant, eight are single-family developments, six are multi-family developments, five are manufacturers, four a retail, and the rest include a private emergency medical center, office/warehouse space, an RV park, a Head Start school, a self-defense school, a customer service facility, a physicians office, and improvements to the Sealy Historical Society.

Most of these projects I have on my list, if you drove through town you wont see evidence of them yet, Worley said.

Worley has 44 years of experience in economic development and he said he has never seen a city face such rapid growth. He admitted that the COVID-19 pandemic caused a brief slowdown, but said activity is rapidly ramping back up.

Ive never seen anything like this in 44 years and Ive been in some big markets, he said.

One of those markets was in Bryan/College Station.

This is double, triple, quadruple of what was going on in Bryan/College Station in the 90s, he said.

He said he is seeing a lot of developers buying land now without a plan for it.

Theyre telling me Sealy is the place to be and I want to buy land here, he said.

Worley said he expects development to boom even more once the expansion of Interstate 10 is complete. He said the best part of what he is seeing is the growth isnt dependent on a single economic sector.

This is a much more diversified economy; I love the mix, he said.

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Development booming again in Sealy - Sealy News

From keeping parklets on city streets to reforming permits and simplifying help for job hunters, a San Francisco task force put forward a broad-ranging set of recommendations Thursday to boost the citys economy.

The Economic Recovery Task Force proposed 41 recommendations in its final report on strategies to revive the economy during and after the pandemic. The group called for immediate aid to artists and small businesses and reiterated long-standing goals such as more affordable housing and economic support for minority communities.

But with the city in its worst fiscal crisis in decades, achieving the goals could be tough if they require new funding. The city resolved a $1.5 billion deficit on paper, in the current budget using money expected from Proposition F. Officials need voters to approve the business tax ballot measure next month.

In response to the recommendations, Mayor London Breed said the city will provide $1.6 million to help neighborhood businesses reopen and $200,000 in legal support to help businesses negotiate leases.

The city also will allocate nearly $6 million for artists and cultural workers, including a universal basic income program that pays $1,000 per month to 130 artists for at least six months, starting early next year.

Fees and taxes are waived for businesses that remain closed, such as entertainment and nightlife venues that cant hold large events.

Breed also hopes to promote housing construction through the deferral of some real estate development impact fees, which fund affordable housing and transit improvements. Real estate developers face declining office and apartment rents and weakening demand while construction costs remain high.

The fee deferral requires Board of Supervisors approval and could be controversial. Some supervisors have pushed for higher fees. Based on previous deferral programs, 85% of impact fees would be delayed from the first building permit issued to when a building receives its certificate of occupancy, which allows it to open. The average deferral period has been around two years.

San Francisco is only at the beginning of what we know is going to be a long road to recovery, Breed said in a statement. We need to continue to translate these ideas into action so we can get people back to work and get San Francisco moving forward.

The task forces recommendations include stimulating the local economy; creating jobs; safely reopening businesses; cutting regulations for more business flexibility; instituting economic justice for low-income residents; investing in housing; providing basic needs like food, shelter and mental health; and boosting neighborhoods.

The report detailed widespread economic devastation during the pandemic.

BART ridership plunged 88% as of late September compared to the prior year. The citys office vacancy rate soared to 14.1% in the third quarter, the highest in nine years, according to brokerage Cushman & Wakefield.

The shift to remote work has emptied out downtown, where long-term effects could be devastating. The virtual freeze of leisure and business travel has crippled the citys largest industry, tourism. Hotel occupancy was down 86% in September compared to 2019, according to San Francisco Travel.

The city, which collects a 1% sales tax, saw receipts of $30.8 million from April to June, a drop of 43% from the prior year, a steeper drop than in other major California cities. Restaurant and bar sales were down 65% and even food and drugstore sales were down 8%. Based on the tax decrease, the report said the citys population may be declining. San Franciscos online sales were up only 1% in the second quarter compared to the prior year, while other California cities saw major gains as people ordered more home deliveries.

This pandemic and the economic impact its had is really unlike any weve seen before, said Carmen Chu, co-chair of the task force and the city assessor-recorder. Were still in the middle of an active health challenge.

The report calls for reform of a construction permitting process that is notoriously complex and opaque, with 18 departments involved. It calls for flexibility in retail spaces, which overlaps with Breeds Proposition H on Novembers ballot, a plan to reduce permit review times and allow additional ground-floor neighborhood uses such as nonprofit offices.

Other goals include investing in public infrastructure to support construction jobs, streamlining building permits, improving city contracts with small businesses, more public-private partnerships, supporting child care providers and buying hotels and other buildings to house the homeless.

If demand falls permanently for office, hotel or retail space, the report calls for studying the conversion of buildings into housing or community space or other uses. It acknowledges the uncertainty and said the recommendation could have limited value if a vaccine leads to a return to previous demand. Converting commercial buildings could also hurt the job market, according to the report.

Chu said that its too soon to say whether buildings will be converted. We dont know what the long-term effects of COVID-19 will be, she said. Were going to have to be flexible and adapt as a city.

The task force, formed in April, included over 100 members ranging from business leaders, city officials, labor unions, nonprofits and religious groups.

The city has issued over 1,600 Shared Spaces permits to date, including many for outdoor dining, leading to parklets with seating built over parking spaces and other areas. The program will continue through the local emergency declaration and the city plans to extend elements of the program beyond that, but details havent been finalized.

The task force calls for extending the program through 2023, adding more arts and entertainment uses and expanding it through more street closures and use of parking spaces.

Even with widespread outdoor dining and the return of indoor dining, the outlook for restaurants remains bleak as they grapple with both a health crisis and economic challenges.

Cassava, a restaurant in the Outer Richmond, tried doing outdoor brunch for two weekends but stopped because of health risks with too many customers to manage, said Yuka Ioroi, a co-owner and member of the recovery task force. Some customers still oppose masks, she said.

The restaurant is allowed to do indoor dining but isnt taking the chance because it has a small space with 28 seats. None of our staff feel comfortable, Ioroi said.

Cassava seats customers outdoors in parklets made possible by a local designer who worked for free to support the restaurant industry.

Cassava received a forgivable Paycheck Protection Program loan for $67,000 and a $460,000 Economic Injury Disaster Loan, which must be paid off over 30 years, the equivalent of a mortgage, she said. The city reimbursed the restaurant $5,000 for sick pay.

The restaurant hasnt had layoffs but had to slash weekly working hours from around 35 hours to 20. Tips are also down, so the restaurant increased base pay to $20 an hour.

Ioroi supports permanent outdoor dining but said its an inconsistent revenue stream, particularly with ongoing smoke from wildfires. Its better than dying, she said.

Ioroi said that future aid needs to be more widespread. I dont think its just fair to focus on the restaurant industry, she said.

A nearby massage parlor has been closed since March, and its renters face eviction. Homelessness has worsened.

They need to be rescued first, she said.

Roland Li is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: roland.li@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @rolandlisf

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S.F. is facing its worst fiscal crisis in decades. Heres the citys 41-point plan for recovery - San Francisco Chronicle

See which projects are coming soon to your neighborhood. (Community Impact staff)

Berry Farms Town Center

Work continues at Berry Farms Town Center in Franklin as construction crews aim to complete Two Town Center, a new office building located near Rural Plains Circle and Berry Farms Crossing. Two Town Center will feature 82,000 square feet of Class A office space, and it is slated to open in 2021, according to Boyle, the project developer.

A new retail building is also under construction near the newly opened Residence Inn by Marriott. Tenants for the building have not been announced.

Berry Farms is a master-planned community with three parcels: Town Center, which features retail, restaurants and residential buildings; Reams-Fleming, which is home to the new Ramsey Solutions headquarters; and Chadwell, which has yet to be developed but is slated to include 1,500 residential units as well as office and retail space.

Grace Community Church chapel

The Grace Community Church of Nashville is working to complete Phase 3 of its new campus along Granny White Pike near Old Hickory Boulevard in Brentwood.

The new chapel, which will be able to seat 900, broke ground in July 2019.

Brentwood Police Headquarters

Work is continuing on the new Brentwood Police Headquarters at Heritage Way on the east side of the city. The 56,000-square-foot facility, which will allow the police department to move out of its existing space in City Hall, will feature offices, a community room, a 911 center and an indoor shooting range.

The project is on track for a spring 2021 opening, according to a recent update from the city of Brentwood.

New performing arts center and gym

Franklin Special School District broke ground in September on a new Performing Arts Center on the Poplar Grove School campus near Hwy. 95 West in Franklin.

The center will have a 485-seat capacity and will feature a full auditorium, a lobby, workspaces and dressing rooms. The center will be open for all schools to use. The district is also adding a 22,800-square-foot gymnasium to Poplar Grove Elementary School. Both projects are expected to be completed in early 2022, according to the district.

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5 development projects to watch this month in Franklin, Brentwood - Community Impact Newspaper

The following analysis estimates the cost to build a restaurant using US National Average costs from 2013 RSMeans cost data. Costs are derived from a building model that assumes basic components, using union labor for a 5000 square foot building.

Scope differences and market conditions can cause costs to vary significantly. To see an estimate of the costs to build a restaurant in a specific city or metropolitan area, go to our index of restaurant models by state .

NOTE: This cost estimate uses 2013 RSMeans data. A more accurate estimate using current RSMeans cost data is available on Construction Estimating Software

Restaurant Square Foot Cost Assuming Face Brick with Concrete Block Back-up / Steel Joists Restaurant Square Foot Cost Assuming Face Brick with Concrete Block Back-up / Wood Joists Restaurant Square Foot Cost Assuming Stucco on Concrete Block / Steel Joists Restaurant Square Foot Cost Assuming Stucco on Concrete Block / Wood Joists Restaurant Square Foot Cost Assuming Wood Siding / Wood Frame

Excerpt from:
Restaurant - Commercial Construction Costs Per Square Foot

We specialize in the planning and design of commercial kitchens, restaurants, bars and foodservice facilities of all types. Our projects span all areas of foodservice and hospitality, from resorts, schools and hotels to restaurants, nightclubs and more.

Kitchen, Restaurant + Bar Specialists offers comprehensive consulting from Schematic Design to 3-d models and Construction Administration. Our experience spans more than twenty years in foodservice operation, design and construction. For more information please get in touch.

His career began at age 14 as a busboy at a local Chinese-American restaurant, a position which comprised mixing hot mustard and setting out bowls of crisp fried won tons. A fascination with woks and BTUs was naturally instilled in the young man.

Later, engaged in undergraduate studies on Organic Agriculture and Fishery Science at Rutgers University, he began to realize that his future was indeed in food, or at least in the preparation thereof.

Before founding KRBS, Alec further developed his skill set with a kitchen equipment contractor where he managed the installation and construction of commercial kitchens including high-end restaurants, corporate cafeterias, schools, universities and more.

As designer, consultant, sub-contractor or construction manager, KRBS' clients and associates have included award winning chefs, iconic corporate entities and institutional operations.

We have been fortunate to collaborate with many Architects, Lighting Designers, Branding Consultants, Contractors and Tradespeople of all varieties. Foodservice outlets are rarely the work of one company, and the greatest projects are those born from the synergy of a team of professionals working together. Please get in touch if you would like to know more about any of our projects listed below.

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Kitchen Restaurant + Bar Specialists - Planning & Design ...

WEST LOOP After numerous delays, the long-awaited Nobu restaurant is finally set to open this week in the West Loop.

The luxury hotel will open the signature restaurant at 854 W. Randolph St. on Thursday the same day the city is relaxing its coronavirus restrictions for restaurants.

The restaurant, focused on Japanese cuisine with Peruvian influences, includes a lounge, dining room, 28-foot sushi bar and two private dining rooms. See the full menu here.

As part of Thursdays opening, the Nobu Hospitality group will also debut a 40-foot indoor tranquility pool, a fitness facility and meeting rooms for corporate and social events.

RELATED: Nobu Hotel, Rooftop Bar Debuts In West Loop After Years Of Delays

The restaurant opening comes three months after the hotel opened, bringing 115 new hotel rooms and a rooftop lounge to the West Loop.

Film star Robert De Niro, chef Nobu Matsuhisa and film producer Meir Teper founded the hotel and restaurant chain. Its opening in Chicago more than six years in the making plans for the hotel werefirst announced in April 2014.

The project held a ceremonial groundbreaking withDeNiro in June 2016, but work didnt start until months later. In December 2017, construction on the project was halted after M Development sought a $52.5 million loan to complete the project,according to a report by Crains.

West Loop is also home to the Ace Hotel, Soho House and the Hoxton Hotel. In December, the Standard Hotel received key city approval in the neighborhood.

Nobu will be open for dinner from 5-10 p.m. Sunday to Thursday and 5-11 p.m. Friday to Saturday. The restaurant is also open for lunch from 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Friday to Sunday.

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Nobu Restaurant Finally Opening This Week In The West Loop - Block Club Chicago

Following the recent success of its ongoing, community-wide fundraising effort, leaders of the Campaign for the New Bruce have announced that construction will begin in October on the centerpiece of the Bruce Museum's transformative renovation and expansion project:a three-story, 43,000-square-foot addition that will more than double the size of the Museum, adding state-of-the-art exhibition galleries for art and science and new education and community spaces, including a restaurant and auditorium.

"This is an incredibly exciting moment for Greenwich and its hometown Museum, and for the entire Fairfield-Westchester region," says Robert Wolterstorff, The Susan E. Lynch Executive Director. "I know I speak for our family of staff, members, volunteers, and Trustees in expressing our profound gratitude to the community for their support."

The new addition will feature the Steven & Alexandra Cohen Education Wing, as well as the William L. Richter Art Wing, including vastly expanded accommodations for changing art exhibitions and, for the first time, significant space to show the Museum's permanent art collection in four new galleries. The entire ground floor of the new addition will be free and open to the public during Museum operating hours and available for special-event use by local community groups, families, and businesses. In another first for the Museum, a welcoming restaurant will offer both indoor and outside dining. The popular Museum Store will greatly increase in size. An auditorium, equipped with state-of-the-art audio-visual systems, will host audiences of 250 more than double the capacity of the Museum's current lecture gallery. The project also includes updated storage areas for its growing collection of 25,000 works of art, natural history specimens, and scientific objects and artifacts, and a new study room to welcome visiting researchers to explore the collections.

Designed by the award-winning New Orleans firm of EskewDumezRipple, the new building addition will open directly onto Bruce Park and feature a delicate striated faade of cast stone and glass inspired by the surfaces of Connecticut's quarries and the rock outcrops of Bruce Park. Reed Hilderbrand Landscape Architects is creating a natural environment around the New Bruce that includes a sculpture trail and places to stroll and play. Turner Construction Co. is the lead contractor for the renovation and construction project.

The Grand Opening of the New Bruce is anticipated for the fall of 2022. To learn more about the Campaign for the New Bruce and to participate, please visit NewBruce.org.

SOURCE Bruce Museum

https://www.newbruce.org

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Construction Begins on Transformative Expansion of the Bruce Museum - PRNewswire

Drew Butler| drew.butler@ardmoreite.com

Construction around Ardmore continues to boom. Many commercial and residential projects are well underway, and new ones are expected to begin within the coming weeks.

Community Development Director Jessica Scott pointed out that two of the largest commercial building projects are now either complete or opening soon. Burkes Outlet, a discount retail establishment recently opened its doors, and Atwoods, a 60,000-square foot farm and ranch supply store, will openOctober 21.

Scott said one new business coming to the city will be a Wingstop restaurant which will be located in Ardmore Commons in the same building as Sakura and McAlisters Deli. Scott said she plans to issue the permit this week. She expects the project to move quickly because the building is already finished, and the project will consist of them making the space ready to suit their needs.

Scott said in addition to the announced projects there are currently many other projects in the works that will likely be announced in the near future.

Ive been talking to a lot of people, and I feel like well be having a lot more construction this winter than we usually do, Scott said. I think people are getting more acclimated to the current business environment and now they are figuring out where they want to move forward.

Scott said there are also many residential projects both small and large happening across the city. As an example of the large, Scott pointed out the 223 unit Preserve at Ardmore apartment complex which recently broke ground. She said the smaller projects consist of both new builds and renovations to existing homes.

Theres a bunch of residential construction, she said. It seems like were doing a lot of new residential and theres still a lot of residential remodels. I think people in general are spending a lot more time at home now, and theyre wanting to improve things.

Scott views all of the new construction as a positive indicator for the citys future.

I think the new Wingstreet and all of the residential construction is a great sign for the future, Scott said. Its good for the city. Its good for the economy. Its good all the way around.

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Coming up: New commercial and residential construction in Ardmore - Daily Ardmoreite