Madeline Clough, Author at ciaooo!
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Author: Madeline Clough

After growing up and graduating in Iowa, Maddie lives like a true New Yorker (a.k.a. eating bodega sandwiches and avoiding Times Square). She currently resides in Washington Heights with her roommate and the cat that lives in the laundry room of her apartment building. Maddie splits her time in NYC between coffee and alcohol - she would love to join you for either.

When thinking about the closure of Broadway in New York City, you might consider Alexander Hamilton, Elsa, Evan Hansen, or Elphaba, but what about all those working behind the scenes to ensure the magic of live theatre?

On Thursday, March 12, 2020, Governor Andrew Cuomo directed theatres to suspend all performances, which has now been extended through May 2021.

From janitors to box office workers, choreographers to carpenters, ushers to marketing directors, Broadway employs more than just those onstage.

“I was flying back from San Francisco, and when I got home I lost my entire year of booked events within three days. It was gone,” said Kate Dial, former Broadway stage manager. “We have a mortgage, we have a 2-year-old, and we lost everything at once.”

Dial and her husband both started their careers on Broadway – her as a stage manager and him as a production audio technician. Dial had just begun switching from stage managing live theatre to corporate events in order to spend more time with her now 2-year-old child.

According to The Broadway League, Broadway grossed over $1.8 billion in 2019, bringing thirty-eight new productions to stage. During the 2018-2019 season, the Broadway industry supported 96,000 jobs.

“The theatres being closed is not just a theatre problem. It’s an NYC restaurant, bar, and cafe problem because not only are all of the workers going to different restaurants on break or going to different bars after a show, you also have the audiences coming in who filled those hotels around Times Square and filled those restaurants in between, after, and before shows,” said Ashley Cudney, a former head usher of an Off-Broadway theatre.

Will Broadway Come Back to New York City?

With live theatre shut down for the foreseeable future, its employees have had to find other creative sources of income like starting small businesses, offering online classes, or working at local restaurants.

For Ashley Kristeen Vega, it meant trying to adapt to producing, directing, and acting from her bedroom in Washington Heights. During the pandemic, Vega co-founded Party Claw Productions, a new media production company, with her colleague Laura Kay (click here to donate to their future projects).

Vega claims doing a 50-minute piece solo in her apartment surprisingly left her feeling more drained than she would’ve been in what she calls “the before times.” The energy given by a live theatre audience is a difficult thing to replicate.

“You’re giving absolutely everything and receiving nothing in return,” said Vega. “It’s just me on a screen. Throughout the run, I realized I need to save a little energy for myself because I would finish the show, close my computer, and just sit on the floor for half an hour.”

While Vega exhausts herself constantly working on creative projects from home, other theatre employees struggle to find work at all in an industry where getting hired is never assured. And even if it is, the pay is scarce and sometimes nonexistent.

This past year the Flea Theater, a prominent Off-Off-Broadway company, faced backlash for failing to pay artists along with numerous accusations of racism, sexism, and overall abuse. After making a statement vowing to begin paying their artists, the theater canceled their emerging artists program, leaving those they said they would pay – actors, playwrights, directors – unemployed.

“I think for the rest of the country, they think ‘Oh the shows are closed down. That’s not that big of a deal.’ But they don’t understand that it’s a huge industry that employs so many people,” said Cudney. “I think the highest stake is people’s livelihoods. For those shows that closed permanently already – those are just jobs lost..”

New York Broadway has a few silver linings

Actor and singer Carla Angeline Mongado chose to find the silver lining between all the Covid devastation and support another important cause.

After singing on a cast album for the (what was supposed to be upcoming) show Platinum Girls, Mongado began sewing masks to generate income during the pandemic. The masks slowly turned into her small business Hiraya by Carla. “Hiraya” translates to “a vision” in Tagalog.

“I think for the rest of the country, they think ‘Oh the shows are closed down. That’s not that big of a deal.’ But they don’t understand that it’s a huge industry that employs so many people,

Ashley Cudney, former head usher of an Off-Broadway theatre.

Eventually, when the Black Lives Matter movement started to kick up during quarantine, Mongado began making protest masks for people to feel secure leaving their homes to join the cause.

“I really put my heart into it,” said Mongado. “I’m not just gonna make a mask, this has gotta be something. That’s where I think being an artist kicks in. We did the Black Lives Matter mask in solidarity for all the different cultures that really believe this was one of the most important moments for the movement.”

Dianna Blaylock worked as an usher for an Off-Broadway theatre when the Covid pandemic hit. Blaylock also worked at merchandise sales and is a part of the Screen Actors Guild for the acting work she’s done.

Blaylock describes the live theatre communal energy that she misses most.

“I love getting to share my love of theatre with other people. Be it someone coming to their very first show – like the high school kids who get so rowdy and hyped. That’s it’s own special moment. Or maybe it’s that one older patron who comes in who’s seen every show that we have and saw whatever monumental show – maybe Chorus Line back in the 70s – and they have to tell you all about it. All of those experiences – I love every second of it. It’s that communal aspect that I love.”

What will the future of New York’s Broadway look like?

As far as the future of live theatre in New York, many of its former employees worry about the number of jobs and the accessibility of shows for those with lower incomes.

Many Broadway and Off-Broadway theatres in the city feature different ways to score tickets for cheap, including lotteries and high school educational programs. With the industry losing money every day the house lights stay down, employees worry about the future of Broadway’s accessibility to the general public.

According to The Broadway League, the average household income for a Broadway theatergoer in the 2018-2019 season was $261,000, more than twice the $71,855 median household income for New Yorkers.

“I feel like it will become a money thing about who can afford to go,” said Dial. “And it is sad because there were so many different endeavors and cool reach-out opportunities that were being incorporated more. I also fear there’s going to be fewer shows, so less work for people. I think the shows that come back first are going to be the ones with the most money – so the Disney shows will come back because they’ve bought out the buildings next door and created Covid entryways. They can afford to have every other seat empty, whereas some shows can’t.”

Although many former Broadway employees fear the uncertainty Covid-19 continues to bring the community, some holdout hope to soon be able to bring the magic of live theatre to audiences once again.

The average household income for a Broadway theatergoer in the 2018-2019 season was $261,000, more than twice the $71,855 median household income for New Yorkers.

“There’s just an unspoken energy between you and the audience,” said Vega when asked what she misses most about live theatre. “They’re excited to be there. You’re excited to be there. And that’s just a very difficult thing to replicate.”

“We really lost a lot of the essence of theatre,” said Mongado. “The question of can we go back or will it ever be the same again – honestly I don’t know, but I’m hopeful.”

Whether you’re an avid theatergoer or someone who just watched The Prom for the first time on Netflix, now is the time to support both local and Broadway theatre! Click here to find ways to support artists and industry employees. Click here to find ways to support artists and industry employees. 

Hopefully, by this time next year, we’ll all be able to sit in on our favorite show (while glaring at those who decide to open their M&M’s right in the middle of a monologue).

Madeline Clough

After growing up and graduating in Iowa, Maddie lives like a true New Yorker (a.k.a. eating bodega sandwiches and avoiding Times Square). She currently resides in Washington Heights with her roommate and the cat that lives in the laundry room of her apartment building. Maddie splits her time in NYC between coffee and alcohol - she would love to join you for either.

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Editor’s Note: Since the publication of this article, we regret to inform you of the passing of Larry Pilatos on December 3, 2020. In addition, Johny’s Luncheonette has lost over 70% of their business due to Covid and is now struggling to pay rent. Please donate HERE to their Gofundme. We are also looking for volunteers who can help with photography and marketing to help get Johny’s up and running long term. Email us if you’d like to get involved at hello@ciaooomag.com – December 10, 2020

In the middle of the Flatiron district, a corporate block filled with restaurants offering “elevated” this and “high-end” that, stands a local, no-frills diner that you might miss if you’re an average New Yorker walking down the street. For those in-the-know, Johny’s Luncheonette is different from other overpriced, Manhattan diners. 

John Pilatos runs Johny’s Luncheonette, which he opened with his father, Larry Pilatos, in 1995. While similar diners failed to make ends meet heading into the new millennia, Pilatos kept the 10-seat diner open with an updated menu and determination to keep NYC luncheonette-style dining alive.

The Pilatos family was making their way in the restaurant business long before Johny’s opened its doors. John’s father moved to the United States from Greece in 1964 before opening G & P Luncheonette on 25th Street, between Eighth and Ninth Avenues. Eventually, G & P permanently shut its doors when business slowed and landlords raised the rent. In a 1995 New York Times article, Larry Pilatos expressed his disgust for his landlord’s lack of leniency for his 28-year-old restaurant, “If I was a strong guy, I would’ve pushed him down and stomped his face,” said Larry.

After being pushed out, Larry went to work for his son, John, just up the block at Johny’s Pizza before the two decided to open a new place – Johny’s Luncheonette.

Johny (left), wife Desiree (center), and father Larry (right)

While Johny’s offers the classic diner fare – bacon and eggs, French toast, burgers, and deli sandwiches – the diner became known for their cholesterol-wrenching sandwiches like the ‘Curious George’ (comprised of three eggs, bacon, ham, French fries, and cheese on a hero). A  sandwich sent from the god of hangover cures.

The “Curious George”- Three fried eggs, bacon, ham, french fries, and cheese on a hero.

“Most [sandwiches] are named after my children,” said Pilatos about his unique sandwich names.  “One’s named after me – the ‘Sloppy Johny.’ ‘Dynamic Dez’ named after my wife. Customers are on there too, people who’ve eaten there throughout the years every day. I tell them, ‘One day I’m gonna name a sandwich after you,’ and they say, ‘Oh sure.’ And then I show them the menu.”

As for John Pilatos himself, he certainly takes after his father and is not afraid to tell customers when they’re out of line.

“Your review is underwhelming,” said John in response to some false claims made on Yelp. “You are rude and seem very hard to please. BTW thanks for the picture. Your breakfast looks great. Have a nice day!!”

You certainly don’t want to be at odds with him.

Despite Pilato’s rough exterior, he spoke openly during our phone call, unafraid to discuss the current privations all restaurant workers face. Johny’s Luncheonette survived through many other misfortunes – 9/11, Hurricane Sandy, and the recession. Despite the many challenges, Pilatos holds onto his bright outlook for the future. He describes himself as “New York tough.” 

“This is pure insanity,” said John, “but I’m staying positive and keeping busy! I have an open mind, I am tough and like Cuomo said, I am New York tough.”

“This is pure insanity,” said John, “but I’m staying positive and keeping busy! I have an open mind, I am tough and like Cuomo said, I am New York tough.”

We bonded over our restaurant experience. I likened Johny’s Luncheonette to the coffee shop I worked at throughout college. People flow in and out, but there are always a few customers who show their faces regularly. It was those people – the ones who leave you an extra tip, who have a regular order, who ask about your life, who smile and say thank you – that make the long hours worth it.

Johny and Desiree with Ty Pennington for Food Network’s American Diner Revival

Johny’s is set up to make anyone walking through the door feel like a part of the everyday crew. Bar seating opens right into the kitchen so customers can watch kitchen staff flip their pancakes and toast their sandwiches. Classic NYC – No frills. No funny business. Just the good stuff. Pilatos says money has never been the object when it came to Johny’s.

 “It’s a family restaurant – a lot of love towards food and our customers,” said John. “Without love, you could be the best cook in the world and run the best business in the world, but if you don’t love it, it won’t succeed. I never looked at it from a monetary standpoint. I wasn’t looking at it like I was gonna make a killing there. I wanna make a living, make people happy and make it affordable.”

Losing restaurants like Johny’s would mean losing the heart of NYC.

On an Instagram post of the empty restaurant, John wrote the caption, “As so many struggle to make ends meet, so many suffering from the effects and after-effects of this pandemic, I just want to say thank you for not giving up.”

John Pilatos is someone who’s lived and worked in New York City for over 25 years. He’s pushed through other hardships, and although the COVID-19 pandemic is unprecedented, Pilatos seems sure Johny’s will prevail. Despite the seriousness of our conversation, he gave me hope for the restaurant industry’s future.

“I’m in a group chat with hundreds of restaurants – everyone’s expressing their anguish…Nobody can pay rent.

Before the COVID-19 outbreak, Johny’s had lines out the door during lunch hours. People from all over the country came in to get their pancakes and $1.50 coffee. The most common complaint on Yelp was the wait due to lack of seating. Now, Johny’s doors remain closed until dining resumes. 

An empty countertop at Johny’s

Most NYC restaurants, along with restaurants across the country, struggled to make ends meet and had to take drastic measures to keep their doors open (at least for pick-up and delivery). Restaurants continue to close different locations, furlough and lay off staff, ask for customer donations, and apply for PPP loans.

“I’m in a group chat with hundreds of restaurants – everyone’s expressing their anguish. Everyone’s communicating,” said Pilatos. “Nobody can pay rent, just taking it day by day. Restaurateurs basically pay the highest amount of rent because we’re the only ones who can pay that much.”

On top of considering the short-term effects of re-opening, restaurant owners are forced to debate the long-term effects, such as a possible second COVID wave come winter. Opening at only a portion of their full capacity offers future challenges.

NYC restaurants continue to lose billions of dollars as COVID-19 keeps them from fully reopening. Restaurant owners like John Pilatos, along with all the other restaurants and small businesses in the city, are what keeps the city moving (and most importantly, keeps them fed). Pilatos represents one of many NYC restaurant owners whose businesses may never fully recover from the pandemic. Before I hung up the phone, Pilatos made it clear that he is prepared for battle and hopeful for what the future holds. When people ask me why I moved to NYC, the main answer is the drive. Everyone in the city has at least two jobs and is working their butts off to meet their goals. But in times like these, everyone is just trying to make ends meet. Speaking with him offered the taste of NYC that I miss – the people who work hard every day to make the city what it is – a city that will fight like hell just to get back to work.

How You Can Support

Donate to Johny’s GoFundMe

Follow Johny’s on Instagram: @johnysluncheonette

Follow Johny’s on Twitter: @sloppyjohny

Johny’s Luncheonette Facebook

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Madeline Clough

After growing up and graduating in Iowa, Maddie lives like a true New Yorker (a.k.a. eating bodega sandwiches and avoiding Times Square). She currently resides in Washington Heights with her roommate and the cat that lives in the laundry room of her apartment building. Maddie splits her time in NYC between coffee and alcohol - she would love to join you for either.

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A conversation with Jiyoon Han, Chief Daughter of NYC’s Bean & Bean Coffee Roasters 

By Madeline Clough in collaboration with Jiyoon Han

Bean & Bean Coffee Roasters has been a New York City staple since opening its doors in 2008. As of now, Bean & Bean offers three NYC locations along with their Fort Lee shop in New Jersey. They set themselves apart by providing ethically-sourced specialty coffee cupped and curated by a family team. Not to mention the extensive seating (and wifi) they offer New Yorkers used to bumping elbows at Starbucks. 

Rachel and Richard Han, the co-owners of Bean & Bean, worked in the food and beverage industry for years in South Korea before moving to Queens. The couple brought the first Wendy’s franchise (yes, the well known red-headed burger and frosty restaurant we all know and love) to Korea, then went on to create their own fast food joints. 

Jiyoon Han, Chief Daughter of Bean & Bean, helped her parents open and run the first location on Wall Street. She led landlord negotiations, worked as a barista, and helped get the word out about the shop.

On top of opening an e-commerce site for their customers to continue to purchase their coffee, Bean & Bean is partnering with #NYLOVESCOFFEE to deliver coffee to NYC’s essential workers. On their site, customers can Send a Cup, for $2.50 per cup, directly to hospitals and other essential workers. 

Customers, artists or those with an extensive coloring pencil collection can also participate in Bean & Bean’s Draw a Cup, where they can share drawings of coffee cup designs featuring the shop’s logo. Participants get the chance to be featured on both #NYLOVESCOFFEE and Bean & Bean’s Instagram pages, receive free merch, and promote their art through the love of coffee! 

I sat down with Han (for a phone call, of course) to ask her a few questions about Bean & Bean and how they’re staying afloat and supporting the community during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Since launch, SEND A CUP has served over 1500+ frontline workers

How long have you been working for Bean & Bean? 

Since forever! When the first location opened, I was a senior in high school. I remember working there as a barista after school and bringing extra pastries to my English class for friends and teachers. I remember us giving out free coupons for coffee on the street. It was really important to raise visibility given that our store is hidden inside a landmark building. I started to learn the different characteristics of different types of beans, and how to talk about coffee. I remember really starting to understand what customer service means. I think coffee shops are one of the best places to understand that.

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Why do you think your business succeeds in NYC? 

We’re passionate about coffee, and we have always been in the business of delivering joy through coffee. I think the reason why we were able to grow, despite how saturated the coffee scene is in NYC, is our commitment to delivering freshness and quality. When we first opened in 2008, we were one of the only places roasting coffee on-site in Manhattan. Now, we roast our beans at our roastery (and shop) in Queens  I love it when customers peep in when we’re roasting. They enjoy watching the process. Now that I’m back home while completing my semester online, I’m busy roasting coffee. Any coffee you’re ordering from us online, I’ll be roasting.

How do you decide which farms to work with? I saw you and your mother took a trip to a bunch of coffee farms recently. 

Mother / Daughter Owners of Bean and Bean Coffee on a trip to visit some coffee farms

In January, my mom and I went to Guatemala, Costa Rica, and Colombia for about three weeks to visit 25 farms. We’ve been focusing more on working with female producers – a lot of times, they’re underrepresented when it comes to getting their coffee out on the market. Coffee is a way for them to make a living and become economically self-sufficient. We’re partners with a feminist coffee organization in Costa Rica called Bean Voyage. We are waiting to receive women-powered Costa Rican coffees.

It makes me sad because COVID-19 is affecting everyone along the value chain – a lot of these coffees are being held with the farmers not being able to send them off or mill them. My focus right now, with COVID-19 going on, is helping those producers by moving the coffee. This is why I quickly put up an online site for customers to buy our beans online.

What is the most NYC story that has happened at Bean & Bean recently? 

I’ve been sending out newsletters to our customers since the pandemic, and I received such cool emails. I got one email from a filmmaker who said our story resonated with her and that she wanted to help tell our story by making a short clip. I think these amazing emails can only come from customers in NYC that are so interesting and diverse.

How has the Pandemic affected you? 

We’ve had to close down three shops indefinitely. Our baristas are without a job. 

As part of Send A Cup we’ve also collectively started the NYC Barista Relief Fund. If you buy coffee kits, a portion will go directly towards the Barista Relief Fund.

How can NYC support you now? 

We all need to support local businesses and entrepreneurs who are severely affected by the virus so they can stand back up post-pandemic. If you need coffee at home, buy our coffee beans online. Follow us on IG, give us some love on Google reviews. 

Follow Bean & Bean on Instagram: @beannbeancoffee

Send a cup of coffee to an essential worker! Support your local barista!

Madeline Clough

After growing up and graduating in Iowa, Maddie lives like a true New Yorker (a.k.a. eating bodega sandwiches and avoiding Times Square). She currently resides in Washington Heights with her roommate and the cat that lives in the laundry room of her apartment building. Maddie splits her time in NYC between coffee and alcohol - she would love to join you for either.

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