NEW YORK (1010 WINS) – The city Department of Transportation announced Monday that Dunkin’ has been selected as the new concessionaire for the Staten Island Ferry.
This will also be the first time since the pandemic that refreshments, including Dunkin’s signature coffee and donuts, will be offered to ferry riders. Dunkin' is pursuing the necessary permits to sell beer onboard, expanding its offerings to include alcoholic beverages, according to the DOT.
“The Staten Island Ferry is the busiest municipal ferry service in the country, and we are pleased that riders will soon be able to enjoy concessions once again,” said DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez. “The Staten Island Ferry is an iconic part of the fabric of our city and we look forward to offering its millions of riders food and beverages.”
Dunkin' was chosen through a competitive process initiated by a Request for Proposal (RFP) announced in January. Under the lease agreement with the city, Dunkin' will begin operations within 60 days of its lease signing on Nov. 20, with concessions expected to launch on Jan. 19.
Initially, Dunkin' will operate concession stands aboard two of the Staten Island Ferry’s newest vessels, the Staff Sergeant Michael H. Ollis and the Dorothy Day. The concessions will then expand to additional ferryboats in the fleet.
The Staten Island Ferry is the busiest municipal ferry service in the country, carrying approximately 45,000 passengers on an average weekday and over 15 million riders annually. The addition of concessions is expected to enhance the travel experience for its many riders, according to the DOT.