Few U.S. cities suffered as much during the pandemic as New York, a tough market for independent restaurants in the best of times. Things would likely have been more disastrous for the city’s celebrated industry if it weren’t for the terrier in executive clothing known as Andrew Rigie, the executive director of the New York City Hospitality Alliance. As health officials navigated the unknown, and politicians lapsed into epic pissing matches, Rigie ensured that restaurant livelihoods weren’t disregarded in the scramble for public safety. In a city that can eat the meek like popcorn, he proved to be as tough as the situation required, and then some.