Background:
On May 29, 2020, Mayor Muriel Bowser announced that Washington, D.C. would be entering Phase One of the reopening plan. Phase One of reopening in the District allowed restaurants and other food retailers to offer outdoor dining, while indoor dining remained prohibited until June 22, 2020 (Phase Two). Due to the reduced capacity of indoor dining space, District agencies collaborated to create guidelines for new and expanded outdoor seating to allow for businesses to reimagine their outdoor operations.
As of September 18, 2020, the District has approved 594 temporary outdoor dining permits (streateries). Under the leadership of Mayor Bowser, the Mayor’s Office of Nightlife and Culture announced the Streatery Winter Ready Grant Program. The Streatery Winter Ready Grant Program will help businesses defray outdoor dining winterization costs during what remains a very challenging time for small businesses.
Objective:
In partnership with the Office of the Deputy Mayor of Planning and Economic Development, the Mayor's Office of Nightlife and Culture is providing a one-time grant to local food retailers/restaurants and non-food retailers that currently offer outdoor dining in the District. Streatery Winter Ready Grant Program funds may be used for outdoor dining winterization purposes and to maintain outdoor dining operations. The utilization of funds can include, but not be limited to future costs of tents, heaters, propane, lighting, furniture, marketing (30%) and other outdoor dining operational costs. Businesses are required to specify how the funds will be utilized, if awarded. Additionally, businesses will be required to provide evidence of the use of funds awarded.
Eligibility Requirements:
- The business shall be locally owned and independently operated.
- The business must have an active Sidewalk Cafe Permit (public space); or Temporary Sidewalk Cafe Permit (also known as a Streatery or Parklet); or an Alcoholic Beverage Regulation Administration (ABRA) Summer Garden (private space) or Sidewalk Cafe Endorsement.
- One or more of the following statements must apply:
- More than 50% of the business is owned by District residents.
- More than 50% of my gross receipts originate in the District.
- More than 50% of my employees are District residents.
- If awarded grant funds, the business must remain open through December 15, 2020.
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