Dunkin’ is about to begin working concessions on Staten Island ferries earlier than the tip of the yr — however don’t anticipate any brewskis with the brew, not less than but, The Publish has discovered.
The New England-based espresso large will fill a void left for the reason that starting of the COVID pandemic, when the final concession operator closed up store, by first serving up java, donuts and different treats.
The no-alcohol service will start on two ferries – the Employees Sergeant Michael H. Ollis and the Dorothy Day – after which transition to the remainder of the fleet at a later date, in accordance with town Division of Transportation.
Whereas there was “no definitive date” for Dunkin’s high-seas grand opening as of final week, the corporate is “concentrating on [an] end-of-year” launch date for its highly-anticipated java joints, a rep mentioned.
The espresso chain additionally received the rights for the ferries’ alcohol concession however mentioned a franchisee could be working that enterprise and that it could start at a later unspecified date.
Dunkin’ should open its ferry cafés by January on the newest, in accordance with its lease with town.
“We’re happy that the concession is returning after a few years of staying vacant,” Staten Island Borough President Vito Fossella mentioned in a press release. “We consider the concession is a pleasant comfort for ferry riders.”
Staten Island Ferry riders had been jolted by the information — in a great way — too.
“I would like that, as a result of typically after I come over right here, I don’t have time to get [Dunkin’],” mentioned rider Venix Pierre, 40. “If I’ve [coffee] contained in the ferry, we don’t must rush.”
One other rider, Brandon, mentioned. “I take the ferry day-after-day, and the [Dunkin’] snack bar is certainly one thing I’d use.”
Natalia, 27, mentioned, “Dunkin’ is nice, and placing it on the ferry is a brilliant transfer I believe.”
As for the booze to return, “I believe the alcohol could be extra for the vacationers — however yeah, why not, I’d take pleasure in a chilly beer on right here every so often,” she mentioned.
An worker promoting beer and snacks within the ferry terminal mentioned the brand new concession reopening wouldn’t make a lot of a distinction to his longstanding store.
“It’s not the primary or second time they’ve tried this, it received’t be the final,” mentioned the employee, who declined to offer his identify. “However this store has been right here ceaselessly, folks know to get their beer right here.
“It would really be higher for us as a result of they may most likely cost extra,” he mentioned, including that his store’s canned beers usually have offered for much less.
The ferry’s former distributors, corresponding to The Liberty Cafe, provided snacks starting from muffins, nachos and scorching canine, in addition to drinks together with espresso, scorching chocolate and beer.
Dunkin’ received town’s request for proposals after the NYC Financial Improvement Company judged potential distributors primarily based on their expertise within the discipline, their monetary capability to tackle the lease settlement, and the sorts of services and products they plan to supply.
“Dunkin’ needs to be extra accessible to our clients on the go,” a rep for the espresso chain instructed The Publish.
The DOT and Financial Improvement Company introduced Dunkin’ as the brand new vendor in a information launch earlier this month.
“The Staten Island Ferry serves 1000’s of New Yorkers and guests day-after-day, and NYCEDC is thrilled to deliver concessions again on board to reinforce the expertise for all riders,” NYCEDC President and CEO Andrew Kimball mentioned in a press release.
“NYCEDC is grateful to our companions on the NYC Division of Transportation (DOT) and stay up for New Yorkers buying meals and drinks onboard the ferry as soon as once more,” Kimball added.
Underneath its 10-year lease, Dunkin’ has the choice for 2 extra five-year extensions with the Staten Island Ferry.
“The Staten Island Ferry is a lifeline for 1000’s of my constituents and thousands and thousands of holiday makers annually, and the return of concessions is a much-anticipated enchancment for the rider expertise,” metropolis Councilwoman Kamillah Hanks of Staten Island mentioned in a press release.
“I’m happy to see {that a} trusted and recognizable model has been chosen to deliver refreshments again onboard.
“It is a win for Staten Island commuters,” Hanks added, “and a step towards making ferry journey extra handy and pleasing for everybody.”
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