'A beacon of hope': 3 years after COVID-19 devastated Queens, Corona Plaza becomes bustling market

Corona Plaza attracts visitors from across the city.

Corona Plaza attracts visitors from across the city.

Corona Plaza Vendors

Corona Plaza attracts visitors from across the city.

José Alvarado Jr.

Commuters make their way off the train and through the bustling Corona Plaza, in Queens.

Commuters make their way off the train and through the bustling Corona Plaza, in Queens.

Corona Plaza Vendors

Commuters make their way off the train and through the bustling Corona Plaza, in Queens.

José Alvarado Jr.

Customers stop for a quick bite to eat at Pinchos Al Gusto on the corner of National Street and Roosevelt Street.

Customers stop for a quick bite to eat at Pinchos Al Gusto on the corner of National Street and Roosevelt Street.

Corona Plaza Vendors

Customers stop for a quick bite to eat at Pinchos Al Gusto on the corner of National Street and Roosevelt Street.

José Alvarado Jr.

Customers at Pinchos la Suquita on the corner of National Street and Roosevelt Street are greeted by fresh elotes.

Customers at Pinchos la Suquita on the corner of National Street and Roosevelt Street are greeted by fresh elotes.

Corona Plaza Vendors

Customers at Pinchos la Suquita on the corner of National Street and Roosevelt Street are greeted by fresh elotes.

José Alvarado Jr.

As the evening rush of commuters arrives at 103 St-Corona Plaza station, cooks at Tacos Al Gusto prepare the various orders of authentic Mexican street fare in Corona Plaza.

As the evening rush of commuters arrives at 103 St-Corona Plaza station, cooks at Tacos Al Gusto prepare the various orders of authentic Mexican street fare in Corona Plaza.

Corona Plaza Vendors

As the evening rush of commuters arrives at 103 St-Corona Plaza station, cooks at Tacos Al Gusto prepare the various orders of authentic Mexican street fare in Corona Plaza.

José Alvarado Jr.

Street vendors take orders and prepare tacos inside the Tacos Al Gusto food truck, which has been parked at Corona Plaza for six years.

Street vendors take orders and prepare tacos inside the Tacos Al Gusto food truck, which has been parked at Corona Plaza for six years.

Corona Plaza Vendors

Street vendors take orders and prepare tacos inside the Tacos Al Gusto food truck, which has been parked at Corona Plaza for six years.

José Alvarado Jr.

Cooks at Pinchos Al Gusto cook various fried foods on a mild March evening.

Cooks at Pinchos Al Gusto cook various fried foods on a mild March evening.

Corona Plaza Vendors

Cooks at Pinchos Al Gusto cook various fried foods on a mild March evening.

José Alvarado Jr.

The vendors created bylaws that established rules and regulations at the plaza.

The vendors created bylaws that established rules and regulations at the plaza.

Corona Plaza Vendors

The vendors created bylaws that established rules and regulations at the plaza.

José Alvarado Jr.

Various hats and bags at Mochilas y Variedades Aline, a stand owned by Rosaria Troncoso.

Various hats and bags at Mochilas y Variedades Aline, a stand owned by Rosaria Troncoso.

Corona Plaza Vendors

Various hats and bags at Mochilas y Variedades Aline, a stand owned by Rosaria Troncoso.

José Alvarado Jr.

As the sun sets behind the Queens skyline, residents and commuters navigate through the bustling Corona Plaza in Queens.

As the sun sets behind the Queens skyline, residents and commuters navigate through the bustling Corona Plaza in Queens.

Corona Plaza Vendors

As the sun sets behind the Queens skyline, residents and commuters navigate through the bustling Corona Plaza in Queens.

José Alvarado Jr.

Cooks at Sabor especial en Tripa Mishqui barbeque various meats.

Cooks at Sabor especial en Tripa Mishqui barbeque various meats.

Corona Plaza Vendors

Cooks at Sabor especial en Tripa Mishqui barbeque various meats.

José Alvarado Jr.

Stands at Corona Plaza sell everything from fresh produce, to street food and clothes.

Stands at Corona Plaza sell everything from fresh produce, to street food and clothes.

Corona Plaza Vendors

Stands at Corona Plaza sell everything from fresh produce, to street food and clothes.

José Alvarado Jr.

Vendors prepare fresh meals for customers at Corona Plaza in Queens.

Vendors prepare fresh meals for customers at Corona Plaza in Queens.

Corona Plaza Vendors

Vendors prepare fresh meals for customers at Corona Plaza in Queens.

José Alvarado Jr.

Food on display at Corona Plaza in Queens.

Food on display at Corona Plaza in Queens.

Corona Plaza Vendors

Food on display at Corona Plaza in Queens.

José Alvarado Jr.

Maria Calle grills chicken for a customer at Pinchoclo in Corona Plaza.

Maria Calle grills chicken for a customer at Pinchoclo in Corona Plaza.

Corona Plaza Vendors

Maria Calle grills chicken for a customer at Pinchoclo in Corona Plaza.

José Alvarado Jr.

Residents and commuters navigate through the bustling Corona Plaza in Queens.

Residents and commuters navigate through the bustling Corona Plaza in Queens.

Corona Plaza Vendors

Residents and commuters navigate through the bustling Corona Plaza in Queens.

José Alvarado Jr.

Patricio Campo Verde has been a food vendor for almost 14 years.

Patricio Campo Verde has been a food vendor for almost 14 years.

Corona Plaza Vendors

Patricio Campo Verde has been a food vendor for almost 14 years.

José Alvarado Jr.

Customers wait for their orders to be prepared at Pinchos al Gusto in Corona Plaza.

Customers wait for their orders to be prepared at Pinchos al Gusto in Corona Plaza.

Corona Plaza Vendors

Customers wait for their orders to be prepared at Pinchos al Gusto in Corona Plaza.

José Alvarado Jr.