Businesses In Old Bellevue Can Now Expand Seating Into The Street

BELLEVUE, WA — Restaurants around Main Street in the Old Bellevue neighborhood are being invited to expand their outdoor seating into the surrounding streets, so they can safely serve more customers during the coronavirus pandemic.

The city says the plan was created with the support of local restaurateurs, retailers and residents, and will hopefully bring more money to restaurants that have been struggling because of seating limitations imposed during the pandemic.

“Old Bellevue is such a unique and beloved part of our city,” said Mayor Lynne Robinson. “This program will help more residents and downtown employees continue to enjoy local restaurants and retailers while maintaining public health, and it will help businesses adapt by increasing dining capacity during the crucial summer months. This kind of program has been successful in other cities, and we think residents will be excited to experience it in Bellevue.”

As part of the program, city staff members will work with any interested restaurants to help expand their sidewalk cafés into select on-street parking stalls. They say the process should take less than a week. The on-street patios will be up through early September, and expanding sidewalk patios will remain open year round.

Organizers say the program is just one way the city is trying to help businesses during these tough times.

“Business owners and nonprofit leaders in need of support should reach out for direct assistance. Whether they run a restaurant in Old Bellevue or a hair salon in Lake Hills, we’re here to help," said Mac Cummins, the City’s Community Development Director.

The city says they do not expect traffic to be impacted, and cars will still be able to use center lanes to move through the area.

Any interested businesses can apply for an expanded patio or learn more about the program by visiting BellevueWA.gov/mainstreet.