Business Spotlight | Coney Island

Welcome to Broadway Stages’ Business Spotlight, where we feature local shops, restaurants and venues in the communities where we have operations. We encourage our readers to join us in supporting these establishments and advancing local economic growth.

There are few things more quintessentially associated with summer-time in NYC than Coney Island. If you grew up in the area there’s a good chance you’ve spent time on the boardwalk and enjoyed the various amusement rides and carnival style eats. Known as “heaven at the end of a subway ride” and the “poor man’s paradise,” the experience has been the same since 1895; as you stroll the boardwalk you feel the same joyous anticipation of a century-old tradition. Unfortunately, due to the pandemic we missed the 2020 season but hopefully that is all about the change.

Earlier this month State officials announced outdoor amusement parks can reopen starting April 9 with 33 percent capacity, and a number of safety protocols including face covering, social distancing, temperature checks, advance ticket sales and more. This is the lifeline that the 350+ businesses and 50,000 residents of Coney Island have been waiting for, and what the Alliance for Coney Island has been working toward. Since their inception in 2012, the Alliance for Coney Island has continuously advocated for and worked toward the revitalization of the historic seaside community. They serve as a vehicle for improved collaboration among its stakeholders for the rejuvenation and betterment of this iconic neighborhood, while preserving the rich and colorful past of the People’s Playground. And they have been a voice for its members as they have struggled during the pandemic.

With light at the end of the tunnel, we encourage you to keep an eye on news about reopening plans from the Alliance and a few of their well-known members that make Coney Island a destination location, including Deno’s Wonder Wheel Amusement Park (celebrating their 100th season this year), Luna Park and Coney Island USA. We can’t wait to see what Coney Island has to offer this season. Get ready for some safe summer fun and when you get there, be sure to tell them Broadway Stages sent you!