Raising the NYS Bar Restaurant Recovery Fund

Funder: NY Empire State Development, implemented by National Development Council (NDC)

Geographic Scope: New York State

Program Purpose: Grant program to help restaurants adapt to COVID-19 restrictions during winter months. Restaurants are recognized as vital community establishments providing jobs, meeting places, nourishment, and preserving local traditions and culture.

Funding Source: Financial support from Diageo North America and Coastal Pacific Wine & Spirits

Eligibility

Establishments must:

• Be Full Service Restaurants (NAICS code 722511) or establishments providing food services and meals prepared on-premises with wait-staff service
• Include on-premises food and drinking establishments licensed through the State Liquor Authority (SLA)
• Have converted to takeout or grab-and-go services due to COVID restrictions (still eligible)
• Have no more than $3 million in annual revenue
• Be located in New York State
• Have been in operation on or before March 1, 2019
• Certify and demonstrate financial hardship due to COVID-19
• M/WBEs (Minority- and Women-Owned Business Enterprises) are encouraged to apply

Allowable Uses of Grant Funds

• Improvements/equipment for social distancing compliance and expanded take-out/delivery operations (plexiglass barriers, signage, heaters, heat lamps, weatherization upgrades, insulated delivery bags)
• Improvements to continue operating through winter months (filtration system upgrades, food heaters for to-go orders)
• Purchase of PPE and sanitation supplies
• Lease or purchase of kitchen equipment or delivery vehicles
• Training for personnel on health and safety measures and extraordinary sanitation expenses
• COVID-19 related business improvements (patio heaters, contactless technology)

Program Features

• Purchases and expenditures must be from September 1, 2020 onwards to be eligible
• Grants are supplied on a reimbursement basis

Contact Information:

• Website: NYSrestaurantrecovery.fluxx.io

Application Process

1. Restaurants can apply starting Monday, January 11, 2021
2. Submit application through online portal at NYSrestaurantrecovery.fluxx.io
3. Note: The online grant portal may close temporarily if applications exceed funding availability
4. If funding remains available due to exclusion of ineligible applications, the portal will be re-opened following an announcement by Empire State Development
5. Program announcements and updates posted to ESD Website

Required Information

• Business must provide documentation of COVID-19 financial hardship
• Business registration and operational history documentation
• Details of intended use of grant funds