🚕 Chipotle’s $1 Million Giveaway

Good Morning NY!

Today, we’re saying goodbye to a Williamsburg institution as Marlow & Sons bids farewell after years of shaping the neighborhood’s dining scene.

Outdoor dining is back in full swing, but not without a few bumps in the road—delays, permits, and concerns are making the season more complicated than expected.

A shocking arrest shakes up the NYC nightlife scene as Richie Akiva faces charges.

In Greenpoint, the end of an era is near as the beloved Pencil Factory bar announces its closure after 25 years.

Plus, Chipotle’s $1 million burrito giveaway is your chance to score big and enjoy free food for a year.

Let’s dive into the details!

End of an Era: Marlow & Sons Bids Farewell

Marlow & Sons, a Williamsburg institution, will close on April 6 after 21 years in business.

Owner Andrew Tarlow cites a major rent increase as the reason for the closure.

Since 2004, Marlow & Sons has been a cornerstone of the neighborhood, operating as a café and general store by day and a beloved restaurant and bar by night.

It played a key role in shaping Williamsburg’s dining scene alongside its sister restaurant, Diner, which opened in 1998.

Over the years, the kitchen saw many talented chefs, including Sean Rembold, Ken Wiss, Patch Troffer, Ryoko Yoshida, and Russ Maddux.

Despite the changes, Marlow & Sons remained a welcoming space known for its unpretentious charm and community-focused approach.

Its impact on the neighborhood’s food culture is undeniable, making this closure a bittersweet moment for loyal customers and longtime fans.

NYC’s Outdoor Dining Season Returns, But With Hurdles

New York City’s outdoor dining season officially began on April 1, with over 2,400 permits approved for restaurants to set up al fresco spaces.

The Department of Transportation (DOT) has issued around 1,808 sidewalk dining permits and 600 street dining permits, allowing restaurants to expand their seating outdoors.

Despite these approvals, only seven out of 3,000 restaurants have received outdoor liquor licenses, leaving many unable to serve alcohol outside.

This delay could mean a dry summer for diners hoping to enjoy a cocktail with their meal.

The return of outdoor dining sheds has also sparked concerns about fire safety and blocked emergency lanes, particularly in neighborhoods like the West Village, Soho, and Little Italy.

Some residents worry that the structures could create hazards on the city’s narrow streets.

To speed up the process, the DOT is issuing conditional licenses, allowing restaurants to start building their outdoor setups before all approvals are finalized.

While outdoor dining remains a beloved part of the city’s restaurant scene, the challenges ahead may make this season more complicated than expected.

NYC Nightlife Kingpin Richie Akiva Arrested

Richie Akiva, the famed nightclub impresario behind 1Oak and Up & Down, was arrested in Nolita on Sunday afternoon.

Police pulled him over at Mulberry and Prince Streets for having tinted windows.

Officers then discovered he was driving with a suspended license due to an unpaid parking ticket.

Akiva was taken to the 9th precinct and charged with aggravated unlicensed operation in the second degree and an equipment violation.

Known for his ties to Leonardo DiCaprio, Naomi Campbell, and Paris Hilton, Akiva expressed surprise at the situation.

“I was stunned to find out my license was suspended, and I am sure it will be resolved in my favor,” he said.

Beyond running some of NYC’s hottest clubs, Akiva is also known for hosting exclusive international parties.

He is currently working on launching a new nightclub downtown.

Greenpoint’s Pencil Factory Bar to Close After 25 Years

Pencil Factory, a longtime Greenpoint staple, will close on July 27 after nearly 25 years in business.

Owners Louise Favier, Sean O’Rourke, and Brian P. Taylor announced that their lease will not be renewed.

Since opening in 2001, the bar has been a go-to spot for affordable drinks and late-night gatherings.

Its name comes from a nearby building that once housed an actual pencil factory.

As Greenpoint has transformed with new developments, Pencil Factory has remained a link to the neighborhood’s past.

The closure marks another loss for Brooklyn’s old-school bar scene.

For longtime regulars, the countdown is on to enjoy one last round before the doors close for good.

Chipotle’s $1 Million Burrito Giveaway

Chipotle is celebrating National Burrito Day by giving away $1 million in prizes through its Burrito Vault game.

The game, running from March 31 to April 2, challenges players to guess the exact burrito order, including every ingredient.

The first player each hour to guess correctly wins free burritos for a year.

In addition, the first 2,500 correct guesses each hour will receive buy-one-get-one-free entrée codes.

For those who aren’t quick enough to win, late guesses will earn 25 rewards points.

Chipotle Rewards members can also enjoy a $0 delivery fee on April 3 with the code “DELIVER.”

This exciting promotion is a great way for burrito lovers to score some free food.

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