Ellen’s Stardust Diner in Times Square, known for its Broadway-aspiring employees who belt out numbers in between serving classic diner dishes, will not be closing for good!
Back in July, multiple news outlets reported that there was a notice posted on the restaurant’s door saying the establishment owed its landlord over $618,000 in rent. If they didn’t pay by August 7, they would supposedly have to move out.
But, as confirmed in a Facebook post by their Artistic Director Scott Barbarino, the show will go on!
With indoor dining allowed again starting tomorrow, Ellen’s Stardust Diner will reopen this Thursday, October 1. Waitstaff will sing their hearts out just like old times, while wearing face shields and remaining socially distant from customers. Reservations will be required and will be available through Yelp. Barbarino wrote:
It gives me great pleasure to announce that Ellen’s Stardust Diner will be opening Thursday October 1st with all the social distancing, The World Famous Stardusters and myself as Artistic Director in place. It’s time for you my fellow New Yorkers and our fans around the world to come back to what is the heart of our great city. Support Live Entertainment!
The restaurant had been closed since March 16 due to COVID-19 closures, and a GoFundMe had been set up for the 200 employees out of work, with $28,000 raised out of a $50,000 goal.
Ellen’s Stardust Diner originally opened in Midtown in 1987 by Ken Sturm. It was inspired by its Broadway location, with headshots and playbills on the walls and of course, a singing waitstaff. There’s a catwalk in the middle of the restaurant, where workers perform numbers from hit Broadway musicals in between taking orders and serving up burgers and milkshakes. It’s become a must-visit for Broadway buffs to theater nerds to tourists to native New Yorkers.
After other parts of classic New York have been closing because of COVID-19, we’re glad this bright light is here to stay!
In other news: Outdoor Dining Will Now Be A Permanent Part Of NYC, Mayor De Blasio Says
featured image source: Shutterstock