On August 3rd, 2023, the City Council approved a permanent Open Restaurants bill including the following provisions:

• A new seasonal model from April to November, which would require restaurants to dismantle and reinstall
  outdoor dining infrastructure each year.
• Restaurants would be required to have a license from the city to participate in outdoor dining.
• Licensing fees will be based on geographical location and total square footage of the establishment.
• Sidewalk seating would be allowed year-round under the proposal, with fees that are lower than similar
  licenses before the pandemic.

The new regulations may present challenges for restaurant owners and operators as they transition to a seasonal
model. Re-ply has developed strategies and services to overcome these challenges, which include:

• Increased cost for installation and recalibration of existing permanent structures.
  
• Increased labor needs for installation and ongoing maintenance.
  
• Potential lost revenue with loss of additional square footage provided by outdoor dining structures during
  winter months.
  
• Added headache during dismantling/installation periods and understanding new regulations.
  
• Storage constraints during winter months.

Re-ply offers a unique, cost-effective leasing model that allows establishments across the New York City area to rent
high quality, sustainably-designed, rat-proof outdoor dining structures and offers assembly, maintenance and
storage services throughout the lease. Benefits include:

• Rats and hygiene: Re-ply’s rat-proof structures include barriers made from rodent-resistant recycled
  aluminum, and the lifting platforms ensure that the street area beneath the structure is easily cleaned and
  maintained.
  
• Winter storage: Newly-announced regulations will require outdoor dining structures to be stored during the
  winter months. Re-ply offers easy disassembly and reassembly and winter storage for customers.
  
• Noise: Noise complaints from neighbors are a frequent headache for restaurateurs and neighborhood
  residents. Re-ply roofs are the only outdoor dining roofs featuring acoustic absorption, making for a better
  dining experience and reducing neighborhood noise.
  
• Accessibility: All re-ply structures feature a hinged wheelchair ramp and are fully wheelchair accessible.
• Service: The re-ply team offers ongoing maintenance and repair services for clients all season long. In
  addition, the removal of existing sheds is included as part of the subscription.
  
• Design: Unique, eye-catching, and fully-customizable designs ensure that outdoor dining areas match the
  experience and aesthetic of indoor dining rooms.

Are re-ply’s services available now for restaurants?

Yes! Restaurants can sign up to join re-ply’s pilot program. Anyone who signs up now during the pilot program phase is eligible for early bird specials.

Are re-ply’s structures ADA compliant?

Yes. Re-ply structures are wheelchair accessible and feature ramps to ensure a smooth transition from sidewalk to seating area.

How are re-ply’s structures rat proof?

All re-ply structures feature lifting platforms, meaning that the area underneath the dining structure can be easily maintained. A lack of cleaning beneath dining platforms is the leading cause of rats in outdoor dining structures, as traditional wooden platforms must be fully disassembled for proper cleaning.

Re-ply’s structures are made from rat-proof recycled aluminum, unlike wooden structures that can be gnawed through by pests. The perimeter of each structure is sealed to the street with an adjustable barrier which includes mesh-covered drainage holes, preventing rats from accessing the area beneath the platform.

Additionally, re-ply offers trash containerization as an add-on product, further preventing rats by keeping all restaurant waste inside rat-proof containers.

What is the cost of a re-ply structure and adjoining services?

All re-ply structures are fully customized to meet the needs and space of each restaurant. Re-ply’s seasonal model includes servicing, tear-down of existing dining structure, and winter storage. You can calculate the estimated cost of your re-ply structure based on your size and design needs on our website here.

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