Dunkin' plans to begin operating a concession on the Staten Island Ferry by the end of the year, but don't expect it to brew beer, at least for now, the Post reported.
The New England-based coffee giant will initially offer java, donuts and other treats to fill the void left since the start of the coronavirus pandemic, when the last concessionaire shuttered its doors. Become.
Non-alcoholic service will begin on two ferries. Staff Sergeant Michael H. Oris and dorothy day – and will be transitioned to the remaining vehicles at a later date, according to the city transportation department.
As of last week, there was “no firm date” for Dunkin's grand opening on the high seas, but the company was “on target.” [an] The release date for the company's long-awaited Java joint is at the end of the year, a representative said.
The coffee chain also acquired Ferry's alcohol rights, but said the business would be run by a franchisee and a start date has not been set.
According to Dunkin' contract with the city, Dunkin' must open the Ferry Cafe by January at the latest.
Staten Island Borough President Vito Fossella said in a statement: “We are pleased to have the long-vacant concession returned.” “We believe this concession is a great convenience for ferry users.”
Passengers on the Staten Island Ferry were also shocked by the news, in a positive way.
“I really want to, because sometimes when you come here, you don’t have time to get things. [Dunkin’]” said rider Venix Pierre, 40. [coffee] There is no need to rush on the ferry. ”
said Brandon, another rider. “I ride the ferry every day, [Dunkin’] The snack bar is definitely something I would like to utilize. ”
“Dunkin' is great. I think it's a smart move to put it on the ferry,” said Natalia, 27.
As for upcoming alcoholic beverages, she said, “I think there will be a lot of alcohol for tourists. But yeah, I enjoy a cold beer here every once in a while.”
An employee who sells beer and snacks at the ferry terminal said the reopening of the new concession won't bring much change to the longtime store.
“This isn't the first or second time they're trying this, and it won't be the last,” said the worker, who declined to give his name. “But this store has been here forever and people know to buy beer here.
“They'll probably charge more, so it might actually be better for us,” he said, adding that his store's canned beer usually sells for less. .
Previous ferry kiosks, such as the Liberty Cafe, served snacks such as muffins, nachos, and hot dogs, as well as beverages such as coffee, hot chocolate, and beer.
Dunkin' received a request for proposals from the city after the New York City Economic Development Corporation judged potential vendors based on their experience in the field, their financial ability to take on leases, and the types of products and services they plan to offer.
“Dunkin' wants to be more available to customers on the go,” a representative for the coffee chain told the Post.
The DOT and Economic Development Corporation announced Dunkin' as the new vendor in a news release earlier this month.
“The Staten Island Ferry serves thousands of New Yorkers and tourists every day, and NYCEDC is committed to improving the experience for every passenger,” Andrew Kimball, president and CEO of NYCEDC, said in a statement. “We are excited to bring back concessions on board to improve the ship's performance.”
“NYCEDC is grateful to our partners at the New York City Department of Transportation (DOT) and looks forward to welcoming New Yorkers back to purchasing food and beverages on board the ferries,” Kimball added.
Dunkin' has a 10-year lease with options to extend its agreement with Staten Island Ferry for two additional five-year extensions.
“The Staten Island Ferry is a lifeline for thousands of voters and millions of tourists each year, and restoring the concession is a long-awaited improvement to the passenger experience,” Staten Island City Councilwoman Camilla Hanks said in a statement. “It has been done,” he said.
“We are delighted that a trusted and recognized brand has been chosen to provide snacks on board.
“This is a win for Staten Island commuters and a step toward making ferry travel more convenient and enjoyable for everyone,” Hanks added.
