DEPEW, N.Y. — The COVID-19 pandemic was difficult time for most restaurants in New York state.

As many switched to a takeout model, places like the Transit Music Lounge in Depew said they benefited from the State Liquor Authority temporarily allowing the sale of alcohol to-go.

"It's something that was huge for us,” manager Joe Farrauto said. “It helped keep us open, actually.”

That rule eventually went away, but the governor and state Legislature brought it back as part of this year’s budget. Farrauto said he's looking at ways to promote and maximize sales now two weekends in.

"It's been great," he said. "It definitely adds a little bit more income to us, also a little bit better in sales."

Brandon Carr, general manager of The Quarter, said alcohol to-go was also a lifeline for him during the pandemic. Earlier this year, he helped open a new restaurant, NOLA Buffalo, as well.

"Opening up a new restaurant just kind of again, just sort of mid-, tail-end of the pandemic was quite a challenge, but we still saw a market for it,” Carr said. “We saw the property that we wanted to have for quite a long time. We obviously had to put it on hold for a while during COVID.”

He said being able to take cocktails home is already a huge draw for patrons where he's located in Buffalo's Theater District. He believes it will continue to grow potentially increasing sales by 15-20%.

"Now being a brand new restaurant in downtown Buffalo, to have those additional high-profit margin sales of alcohol to-go is just outstanding," Carr said.

Last week, the SLA finalized regulations that include requiring customers to order a "substantial food item" in order to take home cocktails. Farrauto and Carr said so far they have no issues with the rules.

"As long as Governor Kathy Hochul says that chicken wings are substantial food, I think Buffalo is going to be just fine,” Carr said. “However, I do understand the logic behind the having to order food. And again I think that will inevitably still benefit the restaurant industry. Do I think it's necessary? No, but at the same time I think it makes sense.”

The rules also require all to-go drinks be sealed and bars and restaurants cannot sell full bottles of liquor.