Tuesday’s Tropical Storm Isaias now a distant memory, diners were back Wednesday and outdoor dining on Third Avenue in Bay Ridge was up and running again after many had to close Tuesday, another added obstacle during the coronavirus outbreak.

“Every day is a struggle,” said Abdul Elenani, the owner of Fritebar.

We interviewed Elenani before the storm hit the city. He owns five restaurants on Third Avenue including Cocoa Grinder and Fritebar. He had to move all of his outdoor furniture, a costly expense all thanks to Mother Nature.

"Having to shut down for the storm and all, that sets us back weeks, for sure,” Elenani said.
 

Elenani spent almost $4,000 storm prepping his restaraunts. None of his storefronts were damaged, but he did have to cut down some tree limbs that blocked his sidewalk. He was still cleaning up before our interview. His businesses had to close midday due to the storm, hours earlier than usual.

"We have to close when it's dangerous for people to walk outside, or the employees to be outside," Elenani said.

Leo's Casa Calamari said it stayed open for takeout and delivery, but it wasn't easy.

"Typically we have six to eight tables on a busier night, so losing that is challenging," operations manager Max DelPrior said. "We had delivery drivers stuck in traffic because the bridge was closed."

NY1 spoke to one of the many diners happy to support local businesses since the storm passed.

“We want to get the economy going and this is an option and this is a real breather for them,” Bay Ridge resident Elizabeth Guzman said.

Some restaurant owners told NY1 that business has been down 80 percent throughout the pandemic and they say they plan to continue their strict storm prep protocols the rest of hurricane season.

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