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Date: 3/2/2022
EASTHAMPTON – Daily Operation, the casual and farm-centric restaurant in Easthampton, officially opened in their new location on 116 Pleasant St. in the back of Eastworks.
The business, which officially opened back up on Feb. 12, is now allowing people to dine inside for the first time in two years, after only offering curbside and takeout throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We just kept it going, because we never really saw a point where we felt safe having people inside of a small dining room,” said Co-Owner Dave Schrier, when speaking on the old location at 42 Cottage St. “We knew at this point last year that we were going to be moving to a larger space.”
Schrier told Reminder Publishing that part of the reason for moving to this new space was to develop a more spacious area in which people felt comfortable, no matter what the pandemic’s trajectory would be. The new space includes higher ceilings, a new HVAC system, many more seats, a larger outdoor space, a bigger kitchen, and more parking-all while keeping the business’s homegrown aesthetic intact.
“We knew how we wanted everything laid out in terms of the kitchen and dining area,” said Schrier, when reminiscing on the opening process. “The vision stayed pretty consistent since the beginning.”
Having a larger kitchen has been “very helpful,” according to Schrier, since the staff was more crunched for space in their previous prep area. The new kitchen, by contrast, will accommodate their ever-evolving menu that focuses on styles and flavors from around the world, as well as their ability to cook from scratch.
Aside from the food aspect, the restaurant’s passion for music will continue to be a focal point within their brand and future endeavors, especially when it comes to booking shows. For example, the restaurant already booked critically acclaimed New York rap duo Armand Hammer for a performance on March 12.
“We want to be able to see the live music that we want to see and the stuff we love,” said Schrier. “We don’t take profit on any shows, so everything is going to the artists, because we want to make sure that we support the artists we love.”
The restaurant does not plan to develop a regimented schedule of performers. Instead, they are looking to book whoever they enjoy whenever they can.
The restaurant’s musical inspirations have been rooted in their vision since they first opened over three years ago. For example, the history behind the name “Daily Operation” carries a special place within the heart of the business.
According to Schrier, the name comes from legendary rapper/producer duo Gang Starr’s classic 1992 album “Daily Operation.” Schrier wanted to name the business after an album that meant a lot to him and his co-owners growing up. The fact that rapper Guru was originally from Roxbury before moving to New York also added to that hometown feel.
“Every time I see the name, I try not to forget that this comes from an important thing in my life,” said Schrier.
The community engagement with the new location has been positive, according to Schrier, who added that the people who are comfortable with dining in again are excited to do so. Even for those who are not as comfortable, Schrier told Reminder Publishing that curbside and takeout are still available.
“We’re trying to make sure everyone is comfortable and can have whatever experience they are trying to have,” said Schrier. “Everyone seems really hyped.”
For more information on Daily Operation’s menu and events, go to https://www.eatdailyop.com/.