November 2025

It happens every year around this time. We somehow jump very quickly from the start of Fall right into the holiday season! With Halloween already behind us, and the big holiday crush just ahead, we hope you’ve taken the time (and the steps) to fully prepare yourselves and your teams for the festivities to come.  

We’d like to take a moment here to congratulate NYC’s new Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani, on his win this week. We look forward to a smooth transition and to working with the new Mayor and his team on priority issues currently facing NYC F&B owners. 

We also ask that you please click on the survey link below and answer three short questions about Leadership Training needs for your employees. We need your input to meet your needs! 

Wishing you all a wonderful Thanksgiving and a bountiful, prosperous start to the 2025 holiday season. 

Steven Picker & Rosanne Martino

NYC Food and Beverage Industry Partnership at SBS

New Leadership Training

Take Our Survey


Many food service businesses promote great team members into supervisory roles — but often without all the training they need. Without support, even strong employees can struggle to succeed in these new positions and can even unknowingly harm your operation. Many of you have told us that training matters, but time and resources are limited. 

To meet this training gap, we first need to hear directly from you. 

Stay Up To Date

Existing Licensed Enclosed Sidewalk Cafes Deadline – January 31, 2026

Existing NYC Department of Consumer & Worker Protection (DCWP)-licensed enclosed sidewalk cafes that were in operation on March 16, 2020, or the four years prior, may continue to operate, but must apply for a sidewalk cafe license and revocable consent from the NYC Department of Transportation (DOT) by January 31, 2026. Failure to apply will result in enforcement action unless the enclosure and dining setup are removed by the establishment. 

Funding Opportunities

Additional Resources

Stronger Together: Empowering Veteran-Owned Businesses

Wednesday, November 12 | 9:30 a.m.

Join us for a day dedicated to empowering veteran and military-connected entrepreneurs.

This resource event brings together key partners — including city agencies, nonprofit service providers, lenders, and veteran-run organizations — all committed to providing resources and support to veteran-owned businesses and those owned by their immediate family members.

This is an in-person event in Downtown Manhattan and registration is required. 

Meet NYC BEST at NYC Buildings After Hours Events

The NYC Department of Buildings (DOB) hosts Buildings After Hours events every 1st and 3rd week of the month at their borough offices located throughout the 5 boroughs.

Small business owners are welcome! 

Our NYC Business Express Service Team (NYC BEST) will join DOB staff at these events to answer questions and help brick-and-mortar business owners throughout the five boroughs launch and operate efficiently and in compliance.  

NYC Secure App

Now NYC Cyber Command can help protect your phone from cyber threats.

• alerts you to unsecure Wi-Fi networks, unsafe apps in Android, system tampering & more
• helps you protect your phone and your privacy
• $0 to download, $0 to use, no in-app purchases, no ads

Unlock Free Advertising Secrets with LinkNYC

Learn the fundamentals of using the free and low-cost advertising platform for small businesses.

Required Signs for NYC Restaurants

Restaurant Resource Guide

Latest news for restaurant owners.

Commercial Lease Assistance

Free legal services to help eligible businesses with signing a new commercial lease; amending, renewing, or terminating an existing commercial lease; or addressing a commercial lease-related issue.

Hiring, Onboarding & Training Playbook

Best practices guide for retaining employees

NYC Business Express Service Team (NYC BEST)

Get connected to a single point person to help you get licenses and permits faster and avoid/reduce fines and violations.

NYC Business Solutions Centers

Access free legal assistance, business courses, financing assistance, and more. Visit maps.nyc.gov/sbs to find an NYC Business Solutions Center in your borough.

NYC Field Guide

How to Start A Business in New York. 

NYC Funds Finder

NYC's first-ever online funding marketplace for small businesses.

NYC Care

NYC CARE is a health care access program that guarantees low-cost and no-cost services offered by NYC Health + Hospitals to New Yorkers who do not qualify for or cannot afford health insurance.

NYS Secure Choice Savings Program

A retirement savings program for private-sector employees who are not offered a retirement plan through their workplace. Program is under development.

SBS Hotline 888-SBS-4NYC (888-727-4692)

Answers small business owners' most pressing questions and connects you to other SBS services. Services are available in multiple languages.

SBS Social Media Toolkit

Approved language and graphics to share information about SBS programs and initiatives with your networks!

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.

A Message from the Mayor

NYC Week in Review

October 25 - 31



The NYC Week in Review videos are available weekly on the Mayor's Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube!

Sign up to "Hear From Eric" and get direct messages from City Hall, tailored to your interests and neighborhood, sent directly to you – at nyc.gov/hearfromeric!