🚕 Bodega Cats Win Hearts

Good Morning NY!

Today, we’re covering a brewing crisis that’s shaking up the city’s bar and restaurant scene.

Beer delivery workers have gone on strike, affecting some of the city’s most popular brands.

We’ll dive into what this means for your favorite spots and how long the strike might last.

Also, we’re taking a closer look at how labor disputes are playing a role in the restaurant industry’s logistics.

Plus, with summer on the horizon, we’ll explore how local businesses are preparing for potential shortages.

It’s a lot to digest so let’s dive in.

Beer Delivery Strike Threatens NYC Supply Chain

Beer delivery workers across New York City have gone on strike, raising concerns for bars, restaurants, and stores that rely on daily shipments.

The workers are employed by Manhattan Beer & Beverage Distributors, one of the city’s largest suppliers.

Brands affected include Coors, Corona, Modelo, Sam Adams, and Blue Moon.

The strike spans four out of five of the company’s distribution facilities, including its Hunts Point headquarters.

The union representing the workers says the company is trying to force workers off their pension plan.

Instead, management is pushing for a 401(k) or similar retirement option without negotiating with the union.

A formal complaint has been filed with the National Labor Relations Board over these alleged unfair labor practices.

Union leaders say they’re only asking for a $1.50 hourly raise to keep the pension plan intact for current and future employees.

Company reps have not publicly addressed the strike or the union’s claims.

As the strike continues, expect potential shortages and delays in beer deliveries throughout the city.

Little Fino Brings Playful Italian Aperitivo Vibes to Williamsburg

A new aperitivo bar is opening at The William Vale in Williamsburg, and it’s all about bold flavors and a playful twist.

Little Fino is the latest project from Andrew Carmellini and chef Anthony Ricco.

The venue opens on April 15th and blends Roman café culture with Brooklyn cool.

The cocktail menu leans whimsical, with drinks like a Campari Creamsicle, Root Beer Negroni, and a Solid Dirty Martini served as a Jell-O shot.

Small plates echo the creativity, featuring polenta tots, cacio e pepe-inspired Roman burgers, and black-and-white tarallini.

For early risers, breakfast includes La Colombe coffee, pressed juices, and pastries like the cinna-cruffin.

Design-wise, the space is led by Saguez & Dash, with murals from artist Manuel Santelices.

Little Fino is walk-in only for now, but reservations are on the way.

Whether you’re grabbing a quick espresso or settling in for spritzes and snacks, it’s aiming to be your new neighborhood go-to.

Wegmans Brings Upscale Japanese Dining to Manhattan

Wegmans is launching its high-end restaurant concept, Next Door, in Manhattan on April 30.

Initially opened in Rochester in 2002, this marks the concept’s first New York City location.

The restaurant features a modern Japanese menu with premium ingredients and refined technique.

Dishes include chu-toro tartare, robata-grilled rib eye, and pristine seafood sourced from Japan, New Zealand, and Norway.

Next Door’s kitchen is helmed by chefs Oliver Lange, John Emerson, and Kazuya Matsuoka.

The space will feature a sushi counter, a custom-built robata grill, and in-house koji fermentation.

While Wegmans is known for its grocery empire, this restaurant aims to offer a full white-tablecloth experience.

Expect velvet banquettes, ocean-inspired art, and an atmosphere far removed from a typical market café.

The goal is to elevate the Wegmans brand while showcasing its culinary ambitions in a major dining city.

For NYC diners, it’s a rare chance to experience a supermarket’s vision of luxury dining—minus the shopping cart.

Bodega Cats Win Hearts ❤️ But Still Not Legal Protection

New York’s bodega cats are neighborhood icons—and some of the city’s hardest-working pest patrol.

From Ashley to Gracie, these furry shopkeepers charm customers and keep rodents at bay.

But while beloved, these cats still operate in a legal gray area.

Despite their usefulness, store owners risk fines up to $350 for keeping animals in food establishments.

Ironically, choosing not to have a cat can also lead to fines—this time for rodent problems.

Many owners see the cats as cleaner and more humane alternatives to poison or traps.

Dan Rimada, founder of the popular Instagram account @bodegacatsofnewyork, is fighting to change the law.

He’s launched a petition calling for a voluntary certification program for bodega cats.

The proposal would require sterilization, vaccinations, and a pilot program across 15 shops.

Over 11,000 people have signed in support so far.

Still, state law doesn’t currently recognize these cats as working animals, leaving the idea in limbo.

Until something changes, New Yorkers will keep loving their local cats—even if the law hasn’t caught up.

Fish Cheeks Celebrates Songkran with Thai Traditions in NYC

Jenn Saesue, co-founder of Fish Cheeks, brought the vibrant celebrations of Songkran to New York City this year.

Songkran, the Thai New Year, is a time for spiritual renewal and honoring traditions.

For Saesue, this meant starting her celebration with a visit to a temple in Queens.

There, she participated in rituals like offering food to monks and pouring water over Buddha statues.

These acts symbolize cleansing, letting go of negativity, and honoring the elderly.

Saesue also shared traditional dishes at a temple potluck, including coconut crab curry and crab fried rice.

At Fish Cheeks, the menu featured symbolic foods like pad thai for longevity and larb moo for luck.

This year’s Songkran was significant for Saesue as she celebrated with her mother and new nephew.

It also marked the exciting buildup to opening a second Fish Cheeks location in Williamsburg.

With this expansion, the restaurant will continue to bring bold Thai flavors and cultural traditions to New Yorkers.

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