For many sign makers, it’s been a tough year. But that is all about to change — drastically.

It wouldn’t be a stretch to say that this is some of the most positive news there can be for New York City restaurants, our stomachs, and most importantly, NYC sign makers — barring a full vaccine deployment.

Here's the news:

Governor Andrew Cuomo today announced that NYC restaurants will be permitted to open on September 30 with strict restrictions including, among other requirements, a 25% occupancy limit, temperature checks, distancing, and no service after midnight.

Indoor dining has been permitted at restaurants throughout New York State for some time now. Still, New York City restaurants were only allowed to function with outdoor dining or takeout until today's announcement.

The previous restrictions meant that many restaurants were unable to conduct any business at all, either because they could not provide outdoor dining space, their business model was unsuited for takeout, or a combination of both factors.

With the new guidelines, many of these restaurants will now be able to finally reopen.

This announcement comes as the state marks its 33rd consecutive day with infection rates below 1%. The governor said the guidelines will be reassessed by November 1, and the state may permit indoor dining capacity to expand to 50%, provided the infection rates do not increase.

The City of New York will provide an enforcement team of 400 personnel who will work with the State Police Task Force to ensure compliance.

Restaurants will be required to prominently post their 25 percent indoor dining capacity, along with the phone and text numbers to report violations.

What this means for you:

While the restrictions only permit dining at 25% capacity, that makes no difference for sign makers — an open restaurant is an open restaurant.

In fact, we anticipate a bigger restaurant print services market, as establishments will need to tailor their signage and marketing to reflect the new guidelines.

Think of the possibilities: "Welcome Back" banners, menu boards, distancing signage, and acrylic dividers are just some of the countless signage opportunities now opening up.

Now is the time to call restaurants and make sure they have all their signage needs — both regular signage, as well as special signs needed to ensure compliance with the new guidelines.

See the new guidelines here.

Feel free to contact your sales rep for assistance with all your restaurant signage needs.

With the fastest delivery in the industry and incredible customer service, you can feel confident ordering all your supplies from S&F Supplies.



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