Coronavirus: Grants Available For New York Restaurants, Bars

NEW YORK — A program intended to support businesses hardest hit by the pandemic — full-service restaurants — is now receiving applications for grants.

The Raising the NYS Bar Restaurant Recovery Fund is offering about $3 million in reimbursement grants to eligible businesses.

State officials said the grants will be in amounts up to $5,000 to help restaurants during the winter months when outdoor dining is limited and as restaurants adjust to the state's coronavirus safety restrictions and mandates.

To qualify for the program, an establishment must be a full-service restaurant that provides food service and meals prepared on-site to patrons who traditionally order and are served while seated, including on-premises food and drinking establishments licensed through the State Liquor Authority.

Officials said that establishments that provide take out or grab-and-go food services due to coronavirus restrictions are also eligible.

To be considered, restaurants must have been in operation by March 1, 2019, be located in New York and have no more than $3 million in 2019 revenue. Franchises are not eligible, the state said.

Financial hardship due to the coronavirus pandemic must be demonstrated and certified.

For complete eligibility requirements and instructions on how to apply, go here.