Times Square pedestrian plazas may soon serve food — and alcohol

Times Square pedestrian plaza

The city has issued a request for proposals seeking vendors for its new pedestrian plazas in Times Square. According to the Post, the city will grant contracts to as many as five concessions which, beginning this summer, would take orders and serve food — and potentially alcohol — within the cordoned-off area. Don’t look for a Shake Shack Madison Square Park-type operation though: permanent, full-service restaurants are not on the menu for Times Square so far. But according to Tim Tompkins, president of the Times Square Alliance, the plans are subject to change. “This is an experiment,” Tompkins said. “We want to see what ideas people have.” There are currently around 100 tables and 350 chairs scattered across the plazas, which boast around 350,000 visitors perday, though vendors awarded contracts would have the option to add more seating. The Times Square Alliance is also looking for companies that would deliver to the al fresco spot from nearby restaurants. Revenue from the concessions and delivery service would be used to maintain the plazas. Proposals are due April 15. [Post]