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Ellen’s Stardust returns: Iconic Broadway restaurant to reopen after nearly closing forever

NEW YORK — The curtain at Ellen’s Stardust Diner almost stayed down permanently, but the iconic Broadway restaurant in the heart of the theater district will once again serve meals with a side of entertainment.

Like all of the theaters on Broadway, the restaurant was closed due to the coronavirus pandemic. The diner had been closed for six months.

It is known for its singing staff who break into song as they deliver meals to those who want breakfast, lunch or dinner and a show.

The owners of Ellen’s Stardust owed the building’s landlord $618,000 in back rent in July, and were threatened with permanent closure if the restaurant’s owners didn’t pay, WNBC reported.

A GoFundMe fundraiser was started to help the employees who had been out of work for half a year, Broadway World reported.

But the show will go on at Ellen’s Stardust Diner starting on Oct. 1, the restaurant’s artistic director said via Facebook.

It gives me great pleasure to announce that Ellen's Stardust Diner will be opening Thursday October 1st with all the...

Posted by Scott Barbarino on Sunday, September 27, 2020

Social distance rules will apply with waitstaff wearing faces shields, WNBC reported. Customers will be required to wear masks and have a temperature check. One member of each group of diners will have to give contact tracing information.