"The Aviary and the Office, upscale cocktail bars in the Mandarin Oriental in New York, were operated by the Alinea Group. Staffers were blindsided by the news of the bars' closure, which was decided before the pandemic hit the city. Despite being furloughed, employees were not informed about the permanent shutdown in April. The bars were known for their prime space with views of Central Park but were not well-reviewed. Alinea was involved in hiring and managing operations until February, after which they signed a separation agreement. Staff remained as unionized Mandarin Oriental hotel employees. The space is no longer associated with Alinea, and the hotel has not communicated future plans for the space." - Erika Adams
