Capalino Partners with Tom Colicchio and Andrew Rigie in “The Future of New York” Program Highlighting New York’s Restaurant Comeback

NEW YORK, May 4, 2021 — Leading urban strategy firm Capalino is partnering with Tom Colicchio, celebrity chef, chef and owner of Crafted Hospitality, “Citizen Chef” and food policy activist, and Andrew Rigie, Executive Director of the New York City Hospitality Alliance, on an important program highlighting New York’s restaurant comeback as part of Capalino’s “The Future of New York” program series.

Covid-19 has had a devastating impact on the restaurant industry in New York and across the country and will be a critical part of the City’s economic recovery. Local restaurants and bars are a key component of NYC’s tourism industry, which is our economic engine. Business leaders are trying to devise plans to revive the hospitality sector that employs over 16 million people and provides ladders of opportunity to women, people of color, single mothers, immigrants, and the formerly incarcerated.

Travis Terry, President of Capalino and moderator of the program said, “Bringing New Yorkers and tourists back to the table at restaurants across the five boroughs of New York City is critical to New York’s recovery.” Capalino is working with business owners to rebound from the pandemic and drive strategic growth, including helping businesses leverage the NY State budget’s $800 million funding for small business and the $28.6 billion federal Restaurant Revitalization Fund.

Colicchio, who recently announced the opening of a new restaurant, Vallata, was a critical advocate for passage of the $28.6 billion fund as a founder of The Independent Restaurant Coalition’s (IRC), a grassroots movement of chefs and restaurateurs working to save independent restaurants from the blow of the pandemic. Colicchio hailed the bill’s passage as a light at the end of a long, dark tunnel.

“This relief fund gives hope to the entire independent restaurant and bar community. It is critical to save independent restaurants from the crushing blow of the pandemic. When we return to normal, we need restaurants to make us feel connected and part of the community,” says Colicchio. He has also advocated for smart policies to protect the food supply chain and provide food access to those in need.

Rigie was also an advocate for the fund, as well as pushing for vaccines for restaurant workers and working toward a safe reopening of restaurants and nightlife spaces.

“Restaurants are the heart of communities nationwide. For New York City to recover, New York City’s restaurant industry has to be at the core of the recovery. We’re vital not only to the economic foundation, but also the cultural and social landscape of the city,” stated Rigie.

Many restaurants and small businesses will be eligible for new grants and tax credits that could act as an economic lifeline for establishments still navigating the COVID-19 pandemic. The Small Business Administration (SBA) has a late April or early May target for the application process to begin. Capalino has announced a new Hospitality Advisory Team to help restaurants with these new funding opportunities so they can rebound from the pandemic. The team will leverage Capalino’s ability to serve as a “one-stop shop” with services including strategy, real estate, permits, financing, and lobbying to help restaurants and other businesses strategically plan their recovery.

About Capalino

Capalino is the leading urban strategy firm in New York. We are experts in cities, combining knowledge in real estate, lobbying, strategic planning, market research and financing provided by our team of experienced implementation professionals. We have utilized this methodology to help some of the most respected companies and organizations in the world achieve sustainable success. We get it done.

About The Future of New York Program Series

The Future of New York is a webinar series focusing on major issues facing New York City businesses and organizations. Featuring thought leaders across the public and private sectors, Capalino, New York’s leading urban strategy firm, addresses critical challenges and solutions to drive New York’s economic recovery and spearhead inclusive growth.

To learn more about The Future of New York Program Series and to register for programs click here.