Free Webinar Will Provide Insight For Bellevue Restaurant Owners

BELLEVUE, WA — Although coronavirus vaccinations are beginning to ramp up around the country, a full return to normalcy is likely still a ways off — and that includes when it comes to dealing with indoor dining regulations at Bellevue's local restaurants.

Following a year in which local restaurants and eateries have struggled due to the ongoing pandemic, the City of Bellevue will host a free webinar for restaurant owners on how to make the most out of outdoor dining. The webinar, which will be held from 9-10:30 a.m. on Thursday, is designed to walk participants through the city’s outdoor dining application process and educate business owners on some of the resources that are available to them.

Last summer, the city permitted outdoor dining on Main Street in Old Bellevue, which was welcomed by local residents, city officials said. A survey showed that 84 percent of customers said that having outdoor dining options greatly impacted their decision to frequent local businesses at a time when eateries were struggling and people tended to remain close to home. City officials said during the summer months last year, five local restaurants used on-street patio spaces that were supported by technical assistance from the Bellevue Downtown Association and sponsorship support from Microsoft.

“Last year, we heard loud and clear that residents and businesses enjoyed having more outdoor options,” Jesse Canedo, chief economic development officer for the City of Bellevue said in a news release. “This year, as we move toward a new normal, expanding outdoor spaces across the city is a key part of our efforts to welcome more residents, visitors and workers back to Bellevue.”

City officials said that although vaccinations are taking place, restrictions on indoor dining are likely to remain in place for some time. More restaurants are expressing interest in adapting the way they do business to allow for local health department requirements. In addition, as the weather turns nicer and more people return to the downtown business district, outdoor dining provides more options, officials said.

The city is again working with the Bellevue Downtown Association and other local agencies to provide support for business owners as they look for spaces to expand their outdoor dining options. Those services include marketing, free one-on-one advising from Business Impact Northwest as well as utilizing federal grants from the Restaurant Revitalization Fund.

Those interested in registering for Thursday’s webinar can do so here or, for more information about the services city officials are providing for restaurant owners, information can be found here.