Dunkins Staten Island Ferry snack bar aims for end of year grand opening sans alcohol

Dunkin’ is set to start operating concessions on Staten Island ferries before the end of the year — but don’t expect any brewskis with the brew, at least yet, The Post has learned.The New England-based coffee giant will fill a void left since the beginning of the COVID pandemic, when the last concession operator closed up shop, by first serving up java, donuts and other treats.The no-alcohol service will begin on two ferries – the Staff Sergeant Michael H.Ollis and the Dorothy Day – and then transition to the rest of the fleet at a later date, according to the city Department of Transportation.While there was “no definitive date” for Dunkin’s high-seas grand opening as of last week, the company is “targeting [an] end-of-year” launch date for its highly-anticipated java joints, a rep said.The coffee chain also won the rights for the ferries’ alcohol concession but said a franchisee would be operating that business and that it would begin at a later unspecified date.Dunkin’ must open its ferry cafés by January at the latest, according to its lease with the city.“We are pleased that the concession is returning after many years of staying vacant,” Staten Island Borough President Vito Fossella said in a statement.

“We believe the concession is a nice convenience for ferry riders.”Staten Island Ferry riders were jolted by the news — in a good way — too.“I would really like that, because sometimes when I come over here, I don’t have time to get [Dunkin’],” said rider Venix Pierre, 40.“If I have [coffee] inside the ferry, we don’t need to rush.”Another rider, Brandon, said.

“I take the ferry every day, and the [Dunkin’] snack bar is definitely something I’d use.”Natalia, 27, said, “Dunkin’ is great, and putting it on the ferry is a smart move I think.”As for the booze to come, “I think the alcohol would be more for the tourists — but yeah, why not, I’d enjoy a cold beer on here from time to time,” sh...