A bright and popular addition for Roosevelt Island opened one year ago. Granny Annie’s overcame never before seen obstacles, welcoming its first diners in September 2020.
By David Stone
The Roosevelt Island Daily News
A One-Year Anniversary for Granny Annie’s
No one needs reminding that 2020 was a harrowing year around the world, but among Roosevelt Island businesses, maybe Granny Annie’s got the worst of it.
Filling space vacated by Riverwalk Bar & Grill, Granny’s promised reinvigorating Riverwalk Commons. But after months of renovations, the coronavirus pandemic smacked the restaurant before the doors swung open.
It was worse because, missing their opening date meant not qualifying for government support pouring in for others. Federal salary support required opening before COVID hit, but the newcomer hadn’t gotten there yet.
Without any revenue, but aided by a sympathetic landlord, the owners hung on for six months. Hudson-Related quietly shared the suffering with many of its Shops On Main business, and that made a difference.
Happily, a year later, Roosevelt Island’s newest eatery is going strong, food served indoors and out on the border of the Commons.
Its visible popularity suggests a long and successful stay.
More from the Roosevelt Island Daily
- Tuesday’s PSD blotter: noise calls, a harassment reportRIOC’s Nov. 10 PSD blotter lists 15 incidents, all on Main Street, including four noise complaints, a harassment report and one hospital transport.
- Queens Public Library Ransomware Attack: Digital Services Still DisruptedThe Queens Public Library ransomware attack continues to disrupt public computers, digital books and online services, with no confirmed restoration date.
- A new RIOC appeals officer denied records on how its general counsel was hiredA different RIOC appeals officer denied records on how RIOC hired general counsel Lance Polivy. RIOC’s internal deliberations on the hire stay withheld.
- Monday’s PSD blotter: two hospital transports, two disputesRIOC’s Nov. 9 PSD blotter lists 14 incidents, including four aided calls with two hospital transports and a verbal dispute at 750 Main Street that drew FDNY.
- Flushing Spa Murder: Man Charged After Woman Found Stabbed to DeathFlushing spa murder investigation leads to a murder charge against a 54-year-old man after a woman was found fatally stabbed in a Queens storefront.
Can You Hear Us?
In earlier meetings, a bright light behind Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation Vice President and General Counsel Gretchen Robinson had left her face nearly invisible. On July 2, 2020, with Susan Rosenthal gone and a new administration forming, Gretchen appeared fully lit.
