When you think of Times Square, you probably think of the New Year’s Eve ball drop or the iconic, Las Vegas-style lights.  By this summer however, Times Square might start to be known for something else: its food!  Last week, the Times Square Alliance started the dialogue about turning the car-free plaza into one giant outdoor restaurant.  The group invited local food vendors, restaurants, and delivery services to make bids for the chance at serving a 100-table seating area that sits around 350 people.

While nothing is definite yet, there is one idea being tossed around that is getting a lot of attention; patrons may actually get a menu featuring select options from multiple nearby restaurants, rather than just one.

Vendor fees would go towards the alliance’s maintenance and security costs, which have risen significantly since Mayor Bloomberg permanently closed the area to cars last year.   While the change was made in an effort to improve traffic flow and reduce overcrowding on the sidewalks, the increased foot traffic has unfortunately meant increased litter as well.

A pilot program will most likely begin mid-summer and will be evaluated after one year.