An entire block of vacant storefronts: Delayed office return plans stymie midtown Manhattan’s recovery

Before the pandemic, it would take Rob Byrnes at least 15 minutes to wait in line and grab a quick lunch at a fast-casual restaurant in midtown Manhattan. Now, in the minority of people returning to office buildings in the area, Byrnes says he’s in and out with his meal in under two minutes.

But he’d much prefer to be standing in a line full of people again.

“We’re nowhere near where we need to be to have a sustained retail and restaurant climate in this area,” said Byrnes, president...