Will permitting end outdoor dining in NYC?

Is outdoor dining on its way out? Some NYC restaurants may be forced to phase it out. It's time to pull up a chair for today's edition of The Prep.

On the menu:
💠 NYC's outdoor dining permit deadline looms
💠 An underwater restaurant experience
💠 A look at loyalty program popularity

Only 23 NYC restaurants apply for outdoor dining

New York City aims to regulate outdoor dining spaces with new permitting laws set to take effect in August. So far, just 23 restaurants have applied under the new rules - but at the height of the pandemic, some 12,500 restaurants added outdoor dining options. At just $1,500 for a four-year permit, city officials believe a flood of applications will still be received by the deadline. (NBC New York)

Study: Patrons want restaurants to conserve water

Hospitality and food establishments in the U.S. use 25,000 gallons of water per day collectively, amounting to an estimated 15 percent of commercial water consumption. With 58 percent of consumers prioritizing sustainability when dining out, embracing sustainability within restaurant operations isn’t just a goal, but a strategy to attract and retain customers and boost revenue. (Modern Restaurant Management)

Pick your favorite frozen cocktail

Check out the finalists in Bar and Restaurant's summer contest.

Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas on Instagram

Perched on the ocean floor, the hexagonal SEA underwater restaurant on Kihavah Island in the Maldives offers an array of exquisite delicacies, such as lobster ceviche and scallop tartare, while guests can marvel at the spectacular underwater views.

💠 Michelin adds six L.A, restaurants to the list 

💠 Should you add salad to the breakfast menu?

💠 Fresh recipes for National Tequila Day

💠 Michael Solomonov announces new Philly eatery

67%

Number of restaurants offering loyalty programs (Touch Bistro)

What we're cooking: Recipes from the new cookbook Keep It Simple, Y'all by Matthew Bounds, your self-proclaimed "Barefoot Neighbor."

Who we're following: @ChowDownDetroit, Seoung Lee on Instagram, for his "Food Adventures" series.

Wendy's is changing it's power grid, and we're here for it.

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