Two-top tables in alleys. Trendy igloos in parking lots. Portions of streets cordoned off to accommodate eaters who want a side of sunlight with their meal.
Tweaks to city law during Covid-19 to bolster options for outdoor dining and to help Buffalo restaurants stay in business have now become permanent. It’s welcome news to restaurant owners scrambling to maximize business during the warm-weather season.
The Buffalo Common Council on Tuesday approved the Sidewalk Cafes Ordinance Amendment, adjustments to the city charter that give restaurants more flexibility in how and where they can set up patio dining.
Since 1998, restaurants squeezed customers into small plots in front of their businesses, but now, as long as they complete an application, pay an annual fee, maintain pedestrian walkways, comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act and do not infringe on neighboring businesses, restaurants’ surroundings present a canvas of opportunity.
“It’s terrific for those that can, and if the weather cooperates,” said Nick Pitillo, owner of Osteria 166 on Franklin Street.
Most of these outdoor dining areas will be permitted only between April 15 and Nov. 1, according to the ordinance, but some may be allowed to operate year-round depending on whether they interfere with snow removal. The Council and Buffalo’s departments of Public Works, Parks and Streets, and Permits and Inspections, will handle oversight.
Joel Feroleto, the Delaware Council representative who sponsored the amendment with Joseph Golombek, lauded the creativity of several restaurants in taking advantage of temporary Covid-19 measures in 2020 and 2021 to expand outdoor dining. Many of those ideas were brainstormed by a group chaired by Feroleto that included about 20 restaurant and bar owners.
Hartman’s Distilling Co. applied for and received approval from the city to close Chicago Street in front of its business to lay down commercial turf, set up tents…
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