$28.6 Billion In Grants Available For Restaurant Relief

POUGHKEEPSIE, NY — Hudson Valley restaurants, hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic, are eligible for direct, federal relief, thanks to a provision in the American Rescue Plan.

Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer said more help is on the way, but local restaurants have to apply.

During a news conference in front of Essie's Restaurant in the city of Poughkeepsie, Schumer said the new restaurant relief fund, which was modeled on the bipartisan Restaurants Act, will provide a down-payment of $28.6 billion in flexible grants through the Small Business Administration as a lifeline for the restaurant industry.

"Getting federal dollars into the hands of struggling small businesses, like restaurants in the Hudson Valley, not only makes sense," Schumer said, "but it's the recipe needed to keep small businesses like Essie's going."

Brandon Walker, the chef and owner of Essie's Restaurant, said he was grateful for the American Rescue Plan.

"Not only will it help my business recover losses but it would help other Hudson Valley restaurateurs and small business owners like myself to continue to serve their respective communities," he said, "and continue to make their dreams of being a small business owner a reality."

Food-service or drinking establishments, including caterers, brewpubs, taprooms and tasting rooms, that are not part of an affiliated group with more than 20 locations, will be eligible.

To provide comprehensive support to local restaurants, grants from the fund can be used alongside first and second Paycheck Protection Program loans, SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan assistance and the Employee Retention Tax Credit.

Schumer said this was a critical moment for food and beverage establishments in the Hudson Valley.

"The SBA must roll up their sleeves ASAP and begin the hard but important work of getting these funds to our Dutchess County restaurants," he said.

The maximum grant is $10 million per restaurant group and $5 million per individual restaurant. The eligible expenses include payroll and benefits, mortgage, rent, utilities, maintenance, supplies including PPE and cleaning materials, food and operational expenses.

Grants can be spent on eligible expenses from Feb. 15, 2020, through Dec. 31, 2021. The administrator may extend the period in conditions warrant.