CABQ Announces First Round of Outdoor Dining Grant Awardees, Opens Applications for Second

With State public health order restrictions on indoor dining, many local cafes, restaurants, and breweries are struggling to stay open. Outdoor dining and patio spaces are keeping many businesses from going under, as well as a streamlined permitting process and temporary changes to liquor licences to allow for sales to continue. But many restaurants, cafes and breweries still need a hand up to keep the lights on and doors open.

Over the weekend the city of Albuquerque announced the awardees of a new grant program intended to help local restaurants make the transition to outdoor dining. On July 18th Mayor Keller announced the program to help restaurants and breweries build outdoor dining space. Less than two weeks later the first round of grants, totaling just over $100,000, has been doled out to local restaurateurs to keep them afloat while they reorganize for COVID-19 restrictions. The initial round of grants were funded by the federal CARES act and awarded between $2,500 and $5,000 to 29 qualified applicants as determined by lottery system.  

There is still $100,000 available for Albuquerque businesses in the second round of grants, but no date has been set for when the remainder of the funds will be issued to awardees. There is still time to apply if you or your business can use additional support in transitioning to an outdoor dining option. To apply for a grant from the city of Albuquerque or to review the  applicant guide for funding click the links below.