New London’s restaurants during the pandemic for NBC News
December 7, 2020

A sidewalk sandwich board indicates that The Social Bar and Kitchen is open for customers in New London, Connecticut, on Sun., Oct. 25, 2020. The restaurant/bar shut down at the start of the ongoing Coronavirus (COVID-19) global pandemic and didn't re-open until mid-September 2020. While closed during the pandemic, the restaurant/bar was reconfigured to allow greater distance between customers. Restaurants in New London are allowed to operate at 75% capacity, restaurant manager Sean Murray says that The Social Bar and Kitchen is only operating at around 50% inside capacity as a way to increase distance between patrons.

I spent an afternoon in New London, Connecticut, for a story for NBC News about how restaurants in the coastal town are dealing with the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. From restrictions on indoor dining to decreased foot traffic in the downtown business district to people's fear of contracting the virus in public settings, it hasn't been easy for the businesses this year. I profiled a handful of businesses and the mayor, who remains cautiously optimistic about the future. But walking downtown and seeing empty sidewalks and closed storefronts on a weekday afternoon with nice weather, it seems like the difficulties will be felt for quite a while longer.

Thanks to Matt for the call, my first assignment with NBC News. You can read the piece here: 'I'm going to church more': Restaurant owners wonder whether they'll survive winter

Sean Murray is the manager of The Social Bar and Kitchen, in New London, Connecticut, on Sun., Oct. 25, 2020. The restaurant/bar shut down at the start of the ongoing Coronavirus (COVID-19) global pandemic and didn't re-open until mid-September 2020. Murray says this back patio was opened in late 2019 or early 2020 before the pandemic, and has offered customers a place to feel safer dining out. While closed during the pandemic, the restaurant/bar was reconfigured to allow greater distance between customers. Restaurants in New London are allowed to operate at 75% capacity, Murray says that The Social Bar and Kitchen is only operating at around 50% inside capacity as a way to increase distance between patrons.
A server takes customers' orders at The Social Bar and Kitchen in New London, Connecticut, on Sun., Oct. 25, 2020. The restaurant/bar shut down at the start of the ongoing Coronavirus (COVID-19) global pandemic and didn't re-open until mid-September 2020. While closed during the pandemic, the restaurant/bar was reconfigured to allow greater distance between customers. Restaurants in New London are allowed to operate at 75% capacity, restaurant manager Sean Murray says that The Social Bar and Kitchen is only operating at around 50% inside capacity as a way to increase distance between patrons.
A partially enclosed patio is available for diners at On the Waterfront, a seafood Italian restaurant in New London, Connecticut, on Sun., Oct. 25, 2020. During the ongoing Coronavirus (COVID-19) global pandemic, according to owner Anthony Schiavone, the restaurant has operated at reduced capacity and expanded outdoor seating, seen here with plastic curtains. Schiavone says the restaurant is now operating at 75% capacity, in accordance with local regulations.
Anthony Schiavone is the owner of On the Waterfront, a seafood Italian restaurant in New London, Connecticut, on Sun., Oct. 25, 2020. During the ongoing Coronavirus (COVID-19) global pandemic the restaurant has operated at reduced capacity and expanded outdoor seating, seen here with plastic curtains. Schiavone says the restaurant is now operating at 75% capacity, in accordance with local regulations.
Marge Hayes (right) and husband Keith Wilson, of Storrs, Conn., eat at the outdoor seating at Captain Scott's Lobster Dock in New London, Connecticut, on Sun., Oct. 25, 2020. The restaurant is a walk-up counter service window with only outdoor seating, and as a result has been able to weather the ongoing Coronavirus (COVID-19) global pandemic better than others in the city. The couple said they were on a "leaf-peeping" drive in the area and decided to stop at the restaurant. Keith had a lobster roll and New England clam chowder, and Marge had lobster bisque and a fish sandwich.
A sign on the front door indicates policies for safe dining during the COVID-19 pandemic at The Social Bar and Kitchen in New London, Connecticut, on Sun., Oct. 25, 2020. The restaurant/bar shut down at the start of the ongoing Coronavirus (COVID-19) global pandemic and didn't re-open until mid-September 2020. While closed during the pandemic, the restaurant/bar was reconfigured to allow greater distance between customers. Restaurants in New London are allowed to operate at 75% capacity, restaurant manager Sean Murray says that The Social Bar and Kitchen is only operating at around 50% inside capacity as a way to increase distance between patrons.
Mayor Michael E. Passero says that Rhythm Lounge, a bar featuring live music, is one of the businesses in the city that have not yet reopened after being shut down during the ongoing Coronavirus (COVID-19) global pandemic downtown New London, Connecticut, on Sun., Oct. 25, 2020.
Michael E. Passero is the mayor of New London, Connecticut, seen here in the Central Business District, on Sun., Oct. 25, 2020. Passero says that during the ongoing Coronavirus (COVID-19) global pandemic, some businesses in the city have been successful, while others have ceased operations. Passero is in his fifth year as mayor, having started his second term a year ago.
A sculpture fountain depicts a whale tail in Parade Plaza in downtown New London, Connecticut, on Sun., Oct. 25, 2020.
A sign reading "For Lease / Restaurant" hangs in a window on Bank Street, a street filled with many restaurants and bars in downtown New London, Connecticut, on Sun., Oct. 25, 2020.
Restaurants, bars, and other businesses line Bank Street in downtown New London, Connecticut, on Sun., Oct. 25, 2020.
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