Panic consequently set in from viral posts about New York being dead. People believe anything they read these days, but as a New York resident, I can assure you, it is very much alive. Yes, we have experienced major setbacks from the pandemic, but what city hasn’t? Anyway, New York is notorious for being busy, even nicknamed “The City That Never Sleeps.” People, those pictures on Twitter of empty streets, are from March. New York is getting back into full swing, the traffic is heavier, and every neighborhood restaurant is packed outdoors until curfew…and maybe even a little after. Though most of us are being health-conscious, the hustle and bustle to get the economy back are powerful. Entrepreneur Will Makris is a believer that New York is not dead, and his restaurants and recent private club opening serve as proof.

Makris, a hospitality veteran, is a co-owner of multiple successful restaurants in Manhattan. He has experienced the ups and the overwhelming amount of downs 2020 has offered. Through it all, he remained optimistic and kept the high morale of his staff and partners. Since restaurants were deemed essential, Makris and his partners kept their doors open for takeout while abiding by all regulations and proper employee testing. The optimistic leader and his team felt compelled to give some sort of hope to the people of New York.

Lola Taverna, the relatively new kid on SoHo’s block, pushed through winter and the pandemic. Since it survived both, it could probably survive anything. Makris and his partner Cobi Levy opened the popular Greek spot nearly a year ago and, more recently, were able to redesign the outdoor space to give the community a refreshing escape from all the chaos. It is now packed every night of the week and breathing life back into social interactions. Makris and Levy’s other must-visit spot Little Prince, located down the street from Lola, famous for its crowd-pleasing, dietary accommodating dishes, has been around for seven years and is currently available for private events. The duo has plans to build on the brand and are currently constructing a more elevated version of the concept.

“The city has been picking up and people are streaming back in and becoming more comfortable with socializing,” Makris said. “We have absolutely seen an uptick in business, and I believe it will continue to increase.”

The restaurant business took a hit, but with regulations lifting and the spread being contained, it is expected that these restaurants will experience a revenue spike; some may even make up for lost momentum.

Now, packed restaurants are not the only sign of hope. Makris and his other business partner Scott Sartiano have been given the green light to open their private membership club next week. Zero Bond, which has an adequate and safe number of members already, will absolutely attract more elites to New York in the near future. Not only that, but it serves as an example that opening or starting a project during a pandemic is very achievable. New additions to the great city of New York definitely means it’s not dead.

Overall, New Yorkers are tough, and when faced with adversity, they will join in solidarity and do whatever to make a comeback. From what I have seen, everyone is getting out as much as possible to support businesses and ensure New York stays alive.