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The days are finally getting longer and your prep lists probably are, too. F&B business operators are always busy whether handling a room full of customers or not, so organization and advance planning are key.
And another early sign of Spring - we'll be losing an hour of sleep when daylight savings arrives on March 8, so show a little extra love to the brunch crews working early Sunday morning!
We try to keep these newsletters short to save you time, but we don’t want you to miss information that could benefit your business. We promise it's worth the extra few minutes to scroll through to the end.
Wishing you all a busy, profitable March.
Steven Picker & Rosanne Martino
NYC Food and Beverage Industry Partnership at SBS
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Under NYC’s Protected Time Off (PTO) Law, covered employees have the right to protected time off and paid prenatal leave.
- Most employees have a right to up to 40 or 56 hours of paid protected time off per year.
- Employees also have 32 hours of unpaid protected time off from the beginning of employment.
- Employees can take protected time off for many reasons, including childcare, illness, medical appointments, and more.
- Employers must provide 20 hours of paid prenatal leave in addition to protected time off.
Employers must provide the written notice of protected time off rights to employees in their primary languages when they begin employment or when their rights change.
Employers must also post the notice in the workplace in an area that is visible and accessible to employees in English and in any other languages employees in that workplace speak.
| | Grant Opportunity for Immigrants in the Culinary Field | |
The Vilcek Foundation will award six Vilcek Prizes for Creative Promise in Culinary Arts: Food & Beverage and Media & Storytelling.
In each category, three young, immigrant culinary professionals who demonstrate outstanding early achievement in their field will receive individual unrestricted cash awards of $50,000.
Applications are open through May 4, 2026.
Apply if you:
- Were born outside the United States to non-American parents
- Are not more than 38 years old
- Have five years of professional experience in the fields related to Food & Beverage or Media & Storytelling, and possess a strong track record of creative, high-caliber work that enriches the discourse of the culinary arts
| | Help Your Employees Save for Retirement | |
Eligible employers with 10 or more employees, that have been in business for at least two years, and don’t already offer a qualified retirement plan must facilitate New York Secure Choice for their employees, the state’s new retirement savings program.
It’s free and easy for employers to get started.
| | Avoid Fines and Violations | | Has Your Food Service Establishment Permit Expired? | |
A Food Service Establishment Permit, issued by the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH), expires after one year. Check the expiration date on your permit. Renewal notices are sent out 3 months before the permit expires.
Be sure DOHMH has your correct contact information to receive all official notices! If you are unsure, you should complete and submit this form or update your information when you renew your permit online.
If you owe any outstanding fines imposed for Health Code Violations, you must pay them before your permit will be renewed.
You must also provide proof of current Worker's Compensation and Disability Insurance coverage every time you renew. (If you are exempt from this requirement, you must file a CE-200 form.) More information can be found here.
SBS’s NYC Business Express Service Team can help you navigate all your permitting needs - give them a call at 888-SBS-4NYC (888-727-4692).
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Renovation, Operation, and Maintenance of 18-Hole Golf Course, Clubhouse, and Food Service Facility, with Option for Full-Scale Restaurant/Banquet Facility at Van Cortlandt Park in the Bronx
The NYC Department of Parks & Recreation issued a Request for Proposals for the renovation, operation, and maintenance of an 18-hole golf course, clubhouse, and food service facility, with an option for a full-scale restaurant/banquet facility at Van Cortlandt Park in the Bronx.
Responses Due: Monday, March 9, 2026, at 3 p.m.
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Prospect Park Concession RFP
Prospect Park Alliance, the non-profit organization that sustains the park in partnership with the NYC Department of Parks & Recreation, has issued a Request for Proposals for the sale of food and beverage items from a Mobile Food Unit at various locations in Prospect Park.
Responses Due: Friday, March 20, 2026, at 3 p.m.
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Want to be a Queens Night Market Vendor?
NYC Department of Small Business Services (SBS) is partnering with the Queens Night Market to host a series of free small business seminars covering market-specific topics and featuring guest speakers, networking, and Q&A opportunities.
These seminars are free and open to vendors interested in the Queens Night Market, and also open to anyone who wants to start a business in NYC.
Part 2: Operations & Profitability
Tuesday, March 3, at 6 p.m.
Part 3: Marketing Strategy & Social Media
Tuesday, March 10, at 6 p.m.
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NYC Future Fund
Revenue-based loans that adjust to your business’s revenue for flexible repayment. When revenue is higher payments are higher; when revenue is lower, payments decrease.
| | Opportunities to Promote Your Business | | |
With millions of global fans and visitors expected throughout the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026™ tournament, business owners will have major opportunities to reach new customers, boost visibility, and showcase the vibrancy and creativity of NYC’s business community.
As you consider hosting watch parties, creating custom menu items, and promoting your business, the NYC Department of Small Business Services (SBS) is sharing this guide on the tools and resources that will help you meet the world at your doorstep.
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Founded By NYC: Add Your Event to the Official Citywide Calendar | |
Join New York City in celebrating America's 250th anniversary by showcasing your organization's event on the official citywide Founded By NYC calendar. As the nation marks this historic milestone — culminating in July 4, 2026, with landmark events like Sail4th 250 — this is your opportunity to highlight how New York City has helped shape the American story and continues to influence the world today.
Submit your organization's event for consideration and connect with a global audience, inspiring visitors and New Yorkers alike to experience the five boroughs during this once-in-a-generation national celebration.
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Unlock Free Advertising Secrets with LinkNYC
Learn the fundamentals of using the free and low-cost advertising platform for small businesses.
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NYS Restaurant Meals Program
The NYS Restaurant Meals Program allows some Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) households to use their Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card to buy prepared meals at participating restaurants. This program is designed to serve SNAP recipients who may not have access to food preparation or storage resources or may be unable to prepare meals for themselves.
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| Calling All Aspiring Restaurateurs and Early-Stage F&B Operators! | |
NYC Restaurant Academy is a new centralized resource providing in-depth startup and operations management education for foodservice businesses. These sessions will help you avoid costly mistakes and teach you best practices for long-term success and profitability.
Topics include finance, commercial leases, operations, marketing, compliance, human resources, and more.
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Restaurant 311
Restaurant 311 helps restaurant owners and food entrepreneurs reach their full potential with tailored business and marketing support.
The program offers 10 hours of complimentary consulting across a variety of professional services.
Limited spots are available.
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NYC Free Tax Prep for Self-Employed Filers
If you are self-employed as a small business owner, freelancer, or gig worker, you may be eligible for in-person specialized tax prep, one-on-one consultations and group sessions, workshops, toolkits, and more!
Be sure to look for in-person tax preparation sites that offer Self Employed/Schedule C assistance.
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Give NYC Youth a Head Start. Become an SYEP Employer!
Build your workforce and invest in the future by hiring young New Yorkers through the Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP). By joining SYEP, you help New York City youth build essential skills, explore career pathways, and take important steps toward long-term success — while strengthening your own team.
SYEP works for employers of all sizes and across every industry.
There is no cost to participate — youth wages are paid directly by the City of New York. Your role is to offer hands-on work experience, mentorship, and exposure to the world of work.
| | | About the Food and Beverage Industry Partnership | | The NYC Department of Small Business Services (SBS)’s NYC Food and Beverage Industry Partnership team acts as a convener to drive alignment and collaboration among NYC foodservice industry stakeholders. With input from our advisory groups, we lead strategic thinking to guide city investment in industry-informed services and resources. We work to identify new, actionable ways the city can demonstrate its commitment to support NYC’s food and beverage businesses and workers. | | | | |
