This Brooklyn pizzeria has been making waves with its unique use of a school bus to bypass City Hall restrictions. In a city where outdoor dining sheds have been torn down ahead of winter, this eatery has found a creative workaround. L’Industrie in Williamsburg, along with 136 other Big Apple restaurants and a Manhattan spot using a parked trolley, has received warnings from the Department of Transportation. But not everyone is against this innovative approach. Liz, a loyal customer for over seven years, praised the bus as "clever" despite not agreeing with outdoor seating for big restaurants. Patron Matin Yaqubi, a big fan of outdoor dining, called it a "very creative idea" and appreciated the extra space to enjoy pizza.

Challenges and Fines for Non-Compliance

Eateries that don't comply with the warning within 30 days could face escalating and recurring fines up to $1,000, summonses, and may not be eligible for future roadway outdoor dining applications. The city's deadline for taking down dining sheds was November 29th, and many restaurant owners saw these structures as an economic lifeline even after the pandemic. Mirico Mennuni, a manager at San Carlo Osteria Piemonte in SoHo, expressed disappointment as December is usually the busiest time and taking down the shed means less profit. Roughly 90% of establishments participating in outdoor dining this year were in compliance by the deadline.

Unique Setups and Customer Reactions

A Blue Bird-branded school bus outside L’Industrie has been transformed into a dining space with a bar and LED lights. Customers have had mixed reactions. Some, like Liz, appreciate the effort to find a loophole, while others may have different opinions. Ayza Wine & Chocolate Bar in NoMad still has its pandemic-era 18-seat trolley car structure standing, resulting in a similar warning from the DOT. The owners are now scrambling to find a home for the trolley car, which was an instant hit during the pandemic with several proposals commemorating memorable COVID-era first dates. Coskun Toprak, Ayza's manager, said, "The rules are always changing, but something like this is just beautiful. It's so hard to imagine how it will be without the trolley. We do respect the rules and regulations."

Impact on Business and Future Plans

Ayza anticipates a 20% to 30% reduction in business as a result of the warning. The manager is looking for the best way to handle the situation while still respecting the regulations. This experience shows the challenges that restaurants face in adapting to changing rules and finding ways to survive. It also highlights the creativity and determination of some restaurant owners to provide unique dining experiences for their customers. As the city's outdoor dining regulations continue to evolve, it remains to be seen how these establishments will navigate the future.