The secret’s out about Philly. Thanks to the semiquincentennial events, even the BBC is calling Philly one of the best places in the entire world to visit next year. The influx of travelers is expected to be an economic boon for the city, but more people mean more mouths to feed. So what is our local government doing to help our restaurant scene gear up for the added crowds?
Expanded Outdoor Dining
The city’s outdoor dining options ballooned during the pandemic, enabling restaurants to serve customers while limiting the chance of transmission. But as time went on, many streeteries were dismantled, with restaurant owners pointing to red tape and regulations.
Under the previous process, only restaurants within the Center City area and limited locations outside it could operate a sidewalk cafe without the approval of a special zoning ordinance.
Meredith Ellison of the nonprofit Park to Broad Arts & Business District told City Council last week that out of Brewerytown’s 28 restaurants, only one had gotten approved for such a license.
“Several other businesses have explored the possibility of obtaining a license over the years and have found the process too onerous, costly, and uncertain to undertake,” Ellison said. “As a result, Brewerytown restaurants either miss out on outdoor dining entirely or provide it informally and risk fines from [the Department of] Licenses and Inspections.”
To avoid this, City Council approved legislation sponsored by Councilmember Rue Landau to streamline the approval process. If signed into law by Mayor Cherelle Parker, sidewalk cafes would be allowed without an ordinance in business corridors in sections of Manayunk, South Philly, and West Philly.
Crackdown on Reservation Scalpers
Getting a reservation at a restaurant these days can be difficult, so “reservation scalpers” have been reselling reservations on third-party booking sites, leading to price gouging, missed appointments, and financial losses for restaurants.
Councilmember Isaiah Thomas introduced legislation to forbid third-party sites from arranging reservations without permission from restaurants.
The restaurant industry supported the measure. “Our city’s dining scene has undeniable momentum right now, now proudly Michelin-recognized,” Zakary Pyzik, senior director of public affairs for the Pennsylvania Restaurant & Lodging Association, told City Council. “This bill provides clear, sensible protections that will keep restaurants in the driver’s seat and in control of their business and their technology services.”
City Council approved the bill, which now awaits Parker’s signature. If signed, it paves the way for more protections for restaurants in the coming new year.
