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
- How Accountability and Everyday Effort Shape Steadiness on Roosevelt IslandExplore how accountability and everyday effort shape steadiness on Roosevelt Island, connecting local routines with bigger city stories and community trust.
- How Citywide Events Affect Everyday Life on Roosevelt IslandDiscover how citywide events affect everyday life on Roosevelt Island, from changes in commutes to reflections on community routines and support.
- How Citywide Events Shape Daily Life on Roosevelt IslandExplore how citywide events shape daily life on Roosevelt Island through the small routines, shared care, and neighborly adaptation that define our community.
- Community Routines and Neighborhood Change on Roosevelt IslandExplore community routines and neighborhood change on Roosevelt Island, from local leadership to citywide developments, and how neighbors keep the island feeling like home.
- Spring Rhythms and Community Efforts on Roosevelt IslandExplore the spring rhythms and community efforts on Roosevelt Island, featuring local news from Main Street to libraries, city policies, and neighborhood stories.
Rivercross and the Quiet Green Light
Rivercross privatization was enabled in 2010. This matters now because the same governance structures that allowed Rivercross to privatize without formal conflict controls are still in place. The same public authority oversees land leases, settlements, and redevelopment decisions that affect every resident on Roosevelt Island today.
