Dunkin’ is set to begin operating concessions on the Staten Island piers before the end of the year — but the Post has learned don’t expect any brewskis with the brew, at least not yet.
The New England-based coffee giant will fill the void left since the start of the COVID pandemic, when the last concession operator closed up shop, previously serving java, donuts and other dishes.
No-alcohol service will start at two ferries – Staff Sergeant Michael H. Ollis and this dorothy day — and then will be transferred to the rest of the fleet at a later date, according to the city’s transportation department.
Although there was “no set date” for Dunkin’ Hi-C’s grand opening as of last week, the company is targeting an “end of the year” launch date for its highly anticipated Java Joints, a representative said.
The coffee chain also won the rights to Ferry’s liquor concession but said a franchisee would operate that business and it would open at a later unspecified date.
According to its lease with the city, Dunkin’ has until January to open its Ferry Café.
“We are pleased that the concession is returning after being vacant for several years,” Staten Island Borough President Vito Fossella said in a statement. “We believe the concession is a good amenity for ferry riders.”
Staten Island Ferry riders were also shocked by the news.
“I would really like it, because sometimes when I come here, I don’t have time to get to (Dunkin’),” said rider Venix Pierre, 40. “If I could have (coffee) inside the boat, So we don’t need to hurry.”
Another rider, Brandon, said. “I take the ferry every day, and the (Dunkin’) snack bar is definitely something I’ll use.”
“Dunkin’ is great, and I think putting it on the yacht is a smart move,” said Natalia, 27.
As far as upcoming alcohol, “I think alcohol will be more for the tourists – but yes, why not, I can enjoy a cold beer here from time to time,” she said.
An employee selling beer and snacks at the ferry terminal said the new concession reopening would not make much of a difference to his long-standing shop.
“This is not the first or second time they have tried this, it won’t be the last,” said the worker, who declined to give his name. “But this shop has been here forever, people know to get their beer here.
“It might actually be better for us because they would probably charge more,” he said, adding that his store’s canned beer typically sells for a lower price.
The ferry’s former vendors, such as The Liberty Café, offered snacks such as muffins, nachos and hot dogs, as well as beverages including coffee, hot chocolate and beer.
Dunkin’ won the city’s request for proposals after the NYC Economic Development Corporation evaluated potential vendors based on their experience in the area, their financial ability to take on a lease agreement, and the type of products and services they would offer. Took.
“Dunkin’ wants to be more available to its customers,” a representative for the coffee chain told The Post.
The DOT and the Economic Development Corporation announced Dunkin’ as the new vendor in a news release earlier this month.
“The Staten Island Ferry serves thousands of New Yorkers and visitors every day, and NYCEDC is thrilled to bring concessions back on board to enhance the experience for all riders,” NYCEDC President and CEO Andrew Kimball said in a statement.
“NYCEDC is grateful to our partners at the NYC Department of Transportation (DOT) and look forward to seeing New Yorkers once again purchasing food and drinks on the ferry,” Kimball said.
Under its 10-year lease, Dunkin’ has the option for two more five-year extensions with the Staten Island Ferry.
“The Staten Island Ferry is a lifeline for thousands of my constituents and millions of visitors each year, and the return of concessions is a long-awaited improvement to the rider experience,” Staten Island City Councilwoman Camilla Hanks said in a statement.
“I am glad to see that a trusted and recognizable brand has been selected to bring freshness back onboard.
“This is a win for Staten Island passengers,” Hanks said, “and a step toward making ferry travel more convenient and enjoyable for everyone.”
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