Restaurant Revitalization Fund Grant Program is Open

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) began accepting applications on May 3 for the Restaurant Revitalization Fund, or RRF, through its website.

An overview of the RRF program, which provides nearly $29 billion in grants through the SBA to eligible restaurants and food and drink service establishments, can be viewed through its website.

Additional Marcum Resources

New Restaurant Revitalization Program Application Process
Restaurant Revitalization Program

This is a reminder that businesses should not wait to apply, as applications will be processed on a first-come first-served basis.

Other Programs Available

In addition, state and local governments at all levels are offering grants and tax credits to help restaurants and bars. Some programs available in specific U.S. locations include the following:

California

Statewide:

• Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) is waiving license renewal fees.
• CA Relief Grant – Not specifically geared to restaurants. Applications accepted through 5:00 PM on May 5.
• More information.

San Francisco:

• City is waiving licensing and registration fees for restaurants.
  • Waiver of 2020-2021 business registration fees and regulatory license fees.
  • Qualifications: 2019 gross receipts of less than $25 million. Must be a qualified entertainment or restaurant business.
  • More information
• SF Community Anchors Grant – Not specifically geared to restaurants.
  • $25,000 grants for well-established businesses with a storefront (“brick and mortar”).
  • Qualifications: Have a storefront open to the public. Less than $2.5 million in gross receipts in 2020, 25% decrease in revenues in 2020 vs. 2019, 2+ employees before pandemic.
  • AND one of the following: 15 years in business, live entertainment or theater, or located in specific cultural neighborhoods of the city.
  • More information
• SF Storefront Grant – Not specifically geared to restaurants.
  • $5000 grant for businesses with a storefront (“brick and mortar”).
  • Qualifications: Have a storefront open to the public. Less than $2.5 million in gross receipts in 2020, 25% decrease in revenues in 2020 vs. 2019, 2+ employees before the pandemic, did not receive more than $5000 of grants from other programs or more than$20,000 in loans.
  • AND one of the following: Mandated to close for 6+ months due to city health order, located in specific cultural neighborhoods of the city, or did not receive relief from other programs.
  • More information

Los Angeles County and Surrounding Areas:

• Keep LA County Dining Grant Program – Program is maxed out.
• Resilience Fund – Program is maxed out.
• Anaheim: $2000 to help with expansion of outdoor seating.
• Long Beach: $10,000 to help with expansion of outdoor seating. Program is maxed out.

New York State

• Nassau County Restaurant Recovery Grant Program – Open to restaurants and banquet halls with less than 50 employees.
• Suffolk County Small Business Assistance Grant – Open to restaurants, bars, gyms, and salons with less than 50 employees located in certain towns.
• New York State Restaurant Resiliency Grant Program – Open to restaurants in underrepresented communities. (not open yet)
• New York State Restaurant Return to Work Tax Credit – Tax credit to support restaurants. (not open yet)

Should you have any questions related to these restaurant recovery programs, reach out to your Marcum Food and Beverage tax specialist.