Harry Styles begins his 30-night residency at Madison Square Garden tonight, drawing thousands of fans to Midtown. The concert series, part of his Together Together tour, is expected to last through much of autumn. Local business owners along Seventh and Eighth Avenues say they are making adjustments for the surge in foot traffic. At Friedman's on West 31st Street, staff have added extra early evening shifts in anticipation of pre-show diners. Nearby, NY Pizza Suprema reports recent afternoons have seen lines form as early as 4 p.m.
On Wednesday, groups of fans were already gathering near the arena by midday. Several wore Styles-themed T-shirts and carried signs. Some had traveled from out of state, planning to attend multiple shows. "We got into the city this morning and wanted to eat somewhere close," said Mia Torres, a college student from Connecticut, outside Best Bagel & Coffee. She and her friends planned to visit Korean barbecue spot Kang Ho Dong Baekjeong before heading to the concert.
Managers at Pennsy Food Hall, located above Penn Station, expect strong sales through the season. "We’re ready for the rush," said operations manager Chris Lee. He noted that portable meals and quick service options tend to be popular with concertgoers.
For late-night crowds, several Midtown diners and bars plan to extend hours. Tick Tock Diner on Eighth Avenue will remain open until 2 a.m. for the duration of the residency. Local police say they will have additional officers on hand to manage pedestrian traffic after each show.
Styles' residency marks one of the largest concert runs at the Garden this year, creating both logistical and economic impacts in the surrounding neighborhood. Restaurant owners say they are hopeful the influx will help offset slower weekday business typical of early September.