As you probably already know, other than the 5 boroughs, New York State has reopened this week. What does this mean for Rockaway and Queens?
The way business owners decide to spend their CARES Act stimulus package Payroll Protection Program (AKA the Triple PPP) money, will have a direct effect on our economy and the unemployment rate through this summer and probably the rest of the calendar year.
In Rockaway, it will be interesting to see which restaurants can adapt first to efficient takeout and then when able to fully open (see the Phases below).
Earlier this week, I was listening to the Jim Kerr Q104.3 Morning Rock-n-Roll Show and Shelley Sunstein (Jim’s sidekick who can cook) mentioned that she’s accustomed to cooking at home now and will start ordering takeout from restaurants with food she’s not capable of cooking at home. If this theory is correct, then restaurants like Uma’s and Kimo’s should do well right off their reopening.
Although I have had my issues with Governor Cuomo (like his ego-based forcing out Rockstar Andy Byford from the MTA); he has done an effective job on a daily basis communicating Covid-19 expectations to lower death rates currently under 100/day in New York State. By tying performance-based Covid-19 goals to open regions, he helped people focus on Phase One “TEAM GOALS.”
Phase One:
Phase Two:
Phase Three:
Phase Four:
During these times there are opportunities everywhere for those seeking them. I’ve been saying since this outbreak that EVERYTHING IS NEGOTIABLE during the Covid-19 era.
Earlier in the week I sat on a great Zoom webinar presentation given by a HIGH-LEVEL CONCIERGE TRAVEL AGENT. I asked a question about getting a full refund on my flights to Buffalo (to see the Rolling Stones show now postponed) next week and she said the airlines are only giving credits for 12-24 months. This motivated me to call Jet Blue immediately after the webinar ended. After an hour wait, I calmly stated my position to the Jet Blue representative and he gave me a full refund with no arguments. I couldn’t believe it! Jet Blue had inundated me with emails and changed my flights about 5 times and asked for a reply to confirm, which I never did. Turns out, their rule is if the flight is changed more than 2 hours from the original itinerary, then you are entitled to full refund! Who knew?
Try it yourself and KEEP THE FAITH!
-Robert