Outdoor dining is losing its appeal for many restaurants. According to recent data, the number of eateries with permits for sidewalk and roadway tables has plummeted to about a third of its peak during the height of the pandemic. As cities begin to return to pre-pandemic normalcy, the temporary outdoor setups that allowed restaurants to stay afloat during lockdowns are being removed, leaving many establishments to find new ways to accommodate customers. The decline raises concerns about the future of outdoor dining and the impact on local businesses struggling to adapt.
The number of eateries with permits for sidewalk and roadway tables has dwindled to about a third of its pandemic-era peak.
