Hospitality + Dining

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Crowne Plaza Opens New Flagship Hotel in Times Square

Crowne Plaza has opened its new Americas flagship in Midtown Manhattan, introducing a redesigned 685-room property near Times Square, Broadway, Rockefeller Center and Central Park. Developed by Al Rayyan Tourism Investment Company and managed by Highgate, the 22-story hotel combines accommodations with dining, meeting facilities and spaces designed for travelers mixing work and leisure. Features include Fifty-First Street Social, a 24-hour marketplace, flexible event areas and the upscale Manhattan Level on the hotel’s upper floors. The property also offers a 22nd-floor Broadway Suite with an outdoor terrace and skyline views. The opening represents a significant New York City investment for Crowne Plaza as the IHG brand continues expanding and modernizing its global hotel portfolio.

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NYC Makes Outdoor Dining Permanent Year-Round

New York City restaurants will now be able to operate roadway dining throughout the year under newly signed legislation eliminating seasonal restrictions on outdoor setups. The change is designed to reduce costs and regulatory burdens for restaurants that previously had to dismantle roadway structures during the winter and rebuild them in the spring. NYC transportation officials are expected to develop guidelines for winterizing outdoor dining areas, potentially making participation more practical for restaurants across the five boroughs while expanding dining options for New Yorkers year-round.

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NYC Eyes Faster, Simpler Outdoor Dining Approval Process

New York City's Commission on Government Efficiency (COGE) is recommending changes to streamline the City's outdoor dining approval process after hearing repeated concerns that current rules are expensive, time-consuming and unnecessarily complicated. The preliminary report says reducing duplicate reviews, paperwork and other administrative hurdles could help more restaurants participate in outdoor dining while making better use of the City's public spaces.

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Hook & Reel Bringing Live Music to Canarsie

Hook & Reel is turning up the energy in Southeast Brooklyn with the debut of “Sunday Live at the Reel,” a new Sunday evening experience bringing live R&B music, cocktails, and a vibrant atmosphere to Canarsie. Featuring performances by Out of the Blue, the event aims to give local residents another reason to stay local for entertainment, dining, and nightlife.

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Fusion East Hosts First Tuesdays Live Music

Fusion East, in collaboration with Brooklyn Buzz, continues its popular First Tuesdays Live Music Series on Tuesday, May 5, featuring Ronnie Roc’s Afrazz Trio. Known across New York City for their smooth blend of jazz and Caribbean rhythms, the trio brings high-energy live music to East New York with no cover charge. Just steps from the Gateway Center Mall, Fusion East offers great food, happy hour from 4–7 PM, and a vibrant atmosphere—guests are encouraged to arrive early for the best seats.

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Kiwami Omakase Mother’s Day Experience in DUMBO

A waterfront dining destination in Brooklyn is elevating Mother’s Day plans with a limited-time omakase experience that blends high-end Japanese cuisine, curated music, and special perks designed specifically for moms.

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Fusion East Announces Live Music Lineup in East New York

Fusion East Caribbean & Soul Restaurant in East New York, Brooklyn has announced a its 2026 Live R&B and Jazz Music Series featuring full bands and singers known across New York City’s live music scene. The monthly performances will bring live R&B, jazz, funk, reggae, and Latin jazz to the neighborhood, giving residents a place to enjoy professional live music alongside Caribbean and soul cuisine without leaving East Brooklyn.

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Fusion East Launches $7 Meal for ENY Affordability

(Press Release) Fusion East Introduces $7 Balanced Meal to Support Food Affordability in East New York

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Kota the Friend Announces 2026 Blue Note Residency

(Press Release) Kota the Friend Announces 2026 Blue Note Residency - Fan demand surges after December shows, historic live debut of Kota at the Blue Note, as he blessed the fans with his historic guitar play for the first time on stage.