FDBA and Stella Artois Deliver Socially Distant Dining Pods To Support Neighborhood Black, Minority and Women-Owned Restaurants in Harlem

On December 11, 2020 FDBA launched an exciting partnership with Stella Artois to bring socially distant outdoor dining solutions – enclosed, outdoor dining pods – to one of New York’s most vibrant neighborhoods: Central Harlem.

The enclosed dining pods will line Harlem’s Frederick Douglass Boulevard, between 116th and 120th streets, at the following restaurants: BIXI, BLVD, Chocolat, Harlem Burger, Harlem Tavern, Mess Hall/Double Dutch, Silvana, and Vinatería.

The greenhouses come at a time of creative and necessary economic development drivers as the city recently announced a second phase of closing indoor dining. “This innovative project will not only help these restaurants survive challenging times but also provide all of us some joy and normalcy to dine out with friends and family while supporting such an important part of the Harlem community,” said John Lynch, Co-President, Frederick Douglass Boulevard Alliance.

While diners enjoy the pods, they can also check out a new mural by Harlem-based Giannina Gutierrez who designed and painted a 7-story, 2,800 square foot mural to showcase the vibrancy of the neighborhood. The mural is located on the northwest corner of Frederick Douglass Boulevard and 116th street.

The pod initiative has received positive feedback from the community and the support of elected officials including Congressman Adriano Espaillat who joined the FDBA Board of Directors Friday for the official reveal.  Based on the activity of the weekend, the pods are already a new neighborhood favorite enjoyed safely by groups of friends and families from the area. Come see for yourself and be sure to tag @fdballiance in your photos!

See below for more photos.