NYC's Enduring Food Lines: A Historical Perspective

New York City's Enduring Lines: A Look Back at Decades of Food-Fueled Queues New York City is known for its vibrant food scene, but what about the lines? A recent video challenges the idea that long waits outside popular eateries are a new phenomenon, fueled by social media. The video uses photographs from 2010, 2012, and 2013, showing extensive lines outside establishments like Shake Shack and Katz's Delicatessen. This contradicts the common perception that TikTok and similar platforms are solely responsible for these queues. Magnolia Bakery serves as a key example. A 2003 New York Times article, referenced in the video, described significant lines at the bakery, even before the rise of social media. The article quotes a witness describing the scene: "Shouting is heard on the sidewalk; the expensive florist who moved in when the birds were priced out is angrily tossing cupcake wrappers out of his sidewalk planters." This anecdote vividly portrays the intensity and long-standing nature of these lines. The video's analysis suggests that while social media may amplify the visibility of these lines, the phenomenon itself is deeply rooted in New York's culinary culture. The long lines, therefore, represent more than just a fleeting trend; they symbolize the city's enduring appeal and the enduring popularity of its iconic food establishments.