Mayor Walsh Extends Outdoor Dining in Armory Square Through Weekends in September

Restaurant owners report sales “grew exponentially” and that “foot traffic has been a huge support”

The weekend conversion of Walton Street in Armory Square into a two block open air café and shopping area will continue through the month of September. Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh announced today that the City of Syracuse will continue to close the 100 and 200 blocks of Walton Street for outdoor dining in the right of way on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays at least through the weekend of September 25.

“The public response to outdoor dining on Walton Street has been even stronger than we anticipated. The City started this program to draw shoppers and diners downtown and to help businesses serve more customers despite COVID-19 restrictions on indoor capacity, and it’s working on both counts,” said Mayor Walsh. “It’s been a great partnership with businesses in Armory Square who have helped plan the program and added other attractions like outdoor music and ‘parklet’ outdoor eating spaces.”

“Sales at Kasai Ramen grew exponentially with the start of outdoor dining, and it’s continued to get better every week,” said Kyle Mastropietro, owner of Kasai Ramen at 218 Walton Street. “I think it’s opened our business to people who would not have otherwise seen us. It is helping in very way you want to grow your business, and from what I see, it’s helping other businesses grow, too.” 

“Outdoor dining has been a great hit for Pita Dream.  The additional foot traffic has been a huge support for us as a new business,” said Fahed Saada, owner of Pita Dream which opened at 214 Walton Street this summer. “It brings back life to Armory Square.”

During the street closure, transit access to the Armory Square District such as Centro and the SYNC Bicycle Share Program are available. Parking options such as the Atrium Garage (115 W. Fayette St.) and the Clinton Street Garage (401 S. Clinton St.) are available, as well as other nearby options including the Washington Street Garage, Armory Square Trolley Lot, Fayette-Clinton Lot, and the Center Armory Garage. More information on parking options and alternative modes of transportation can be found at https://downtownsyracuse.com/get-around-park.

Additional information on the Walton Street closure and participating businesses can be found at https://downtownsyracuse.com/weekends-walton.