New Castle County, The Committee of 100 partner for outdoor dining grants
New Castle County will contribute $300,000 to help restaurants winterize their outdoor seating spaces
New Castle, DE – Inspired by the popular outdoor Curbside Wilmington and Newark’s Main Street Alfresco, New Castle County will invest $300,000 of CARES Act money to help New Castle County restaurants prepare for outdoor dining during the colder months. The grants will be administered by The Committee of 100, and owners and managers can apply HERE beginning on October 14.
“It’s critical to keep our community safe and healthy, as well as keep our businesses safe and healthy,” said County Executive Matt Meyer. “These grants are critical lifelines that will help small businesses keep staff working as well as maintaining the health of diners.”
“Food and drink establishments across New Castle County have innovated and adapted to survive in this very challenging environment,” added Jennifer Kmiec, Executive Director of The Committee of 100. “We are happy to partner with the County to help support these small businesses to extend their outdoor dining into the cooler months.”
The “Winter Ready Restaurant Grant Program” is open to independent locally owned restaurants, as well as Delaware-based franchises, that have a permit for outdoor space, whether for a temporary parklet or sidewalk cafe, or permanent, private patio. Up to $5,000 can be requested to cover the costs of winterization, including tents, heaters, propane, lighting, and furniture. Applicants must ensure proper New Castle County Land Use or municipality permitting has been followed to ensure grantees do not violate county code.
“Local restaurateurs are working so hard to serve our patrons and keep our trained staff together,” said Scott Stein, co-owner of Bardea Food & Drink. “We’ve had the luxury of beautiful fall weather but are very concerned as winter approaches. These grants will be critical to help us continue outdoor dining as long as possible.
Getting the word out for this opportunity will take a partnership with organizations like the Delaware Restaurant Association, Downtown Visions, Cornerstone West CDC, Middletown Area Chamber of Commerce, and more.
ABOUT THE COMMITTEE OF 100
The Committee of 100 is a non-partisan, non-profit association of Delaware business leaders that works to promote responsible economic development and address issues that affect Delaware's economic health. Members recognize that effectively addressing quality-of-life issues -- such as education, housing, transportation, the environment, health care, public safety, libraries, recreation, the arts, and social services -- requires a healthy economy.