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Restaurants in NYC have found a way to circumvent the congestion pricing plan introduced recently. A report by the New York Post’s Side Dish stated that the eateries that fell within the congestion zone faced difficulty getting customers. So, they decided to find ways to make up for the $9 toll fee.
According to the congestion pricing plan, motorists who enter the congestion relief zone south of 60th Street will now be required to pay a toll during peak hours. The toll price shall vary depending on the type of vehicle.
For instance, small vehicles and vans must pay $9 per day as a toll during peak hours. Similarly, the same for trucks and buses is between $14.40 and $21.60, while motorcycle drivers must pay $4.40 as toll fee. Restaurants that decided to offer this include Clinton Hall, Sushi by Bou, and Fresco by Scotto.
Rosanna Scotto, a restaurateur, mentioned that while weekdays brought in the business crowd, weekends saw patrons traveling from the boroughs, Long Island, and New Jersey. She noted that these customers, along with Manhattan residents, were frustrated about having to enter the congestion zone.
Scotto emphasized that, as a family-run establishment in the heart of New York City, they recognized the difficulties their guests encountered. Hence, her restaurant has decided to offer a $9 credit on January 10, 2025, to each table.
However, customers must order a main course and an appetizer to grab this deal. The restaurant might also continue with this deal if it gains popularity. According to Scotto, this dinner was a gesture of appreciation for their continued patronage.
Here is how other NYC restaurants are offering similar deals
Richie Romero, a partner at Sushi by Bou, announced a promotion offering $9 off per person on the restaurant's $65 signature 12-course Omakase item. Diners can access this deal by using the code "CONGESTION." However, it will be available only till February 1, 2025.
According to Romero, many people were unaware of the congestion zone's boundaries, adding that even short trips within the area can result in toll charges.
He highlighted that all Sushi by Bou locations, two in Nomad, one in Times Square, and one in Chelsea, fall within the zone, making it a significant issue for guests and staff.
Hence, to address these challenges, Romero's marketing team launched a social media campaign featuring images resembling the city's new toll signs to promote the discount. Additionally, he planned to offer transportation solutions, such as renting buses to shuttle staff and guests from Brooklyn and Queens.
Similar to Scotto’s restaurant, Aristotle "Telly" Hatzigeorgiou, CEO of The Lure Group, announced a promotion at his Clinton Hall locations, offering drivers a $9 discount on bills of $100 or more throughout January 2025. The CEO said:
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“It’s a way to take a bit of the sting out of being stung by congestion pricing.”
Meanwhile, according to the report, Rosanna Scotto will host a Congestion Pricing Dinner on December 10, 2025. The party will also have a DJ night.
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