City Councilor Attorney Sean Curran, East Springfield Neighborhood Council President Kathy Brown, Michelle Grout from the Springfield BID, and owners from the local businesses receiving outdoor dining awards joined with Mayor Sarno at the John Boyle O’Reilly Club to make the announcement.
The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funded Outdoor Dining Program, administered by the Office of Planning & Economic Development (OPED), closed on May 5, 2023 and offered grants of between $25,000 and $250,000 for the creation of new spaces or substantial rehabilitation of existing spaces for outdoor dining.
It was aimed at assisting local restaurants and non-profit organizations with improving the ability of their patrons to dine and gather outdoors where there is better air circulation, which reduces the potential spread of viruses.
Mayor Sarno states, “I am proud that my administration continues to commit our local allocation of federal ARPA monies to our local businesses to boost our economy. This 12th round of ARPA awards will go to local restaurants and establishments to help them create new, refurbish or expand existing outdoor dining spaces. We have received raved reviews from patrons and establishments alike about the outdoor dining program and this investment will significantly boost these amenities and help increase walkability and foot traffic in our neighborhoods.”
“One of the few positives that came out of the Covid-19 pandemic is the continuing interest and preference for outdoor dining,” said Mayor Sarno. “We were excited by the interest in this program and look forward to seeing these dollars get implemented in these establishments in time for patrons to enjoy some of these new spaces this season.”
The intent of the program is to create new or significantly refurbished outdoor dining and event spaces that also help to increase the walkability and foot traffic in neighborhood centers.
“This program responds directly to the public health concerns and mitigation strategies developed as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic,” said CDO Sheehan. “We believe creating more outdoor spaces will increase local business, offer new options for patrons, and improve neighborhood vitality.”
Each completed application was scored based on criteria in the Application Guidelines, with the highest scoring applications being recommended for funding.
“Small businesses are the economic backbone of our neighborhoods. My administration remains committed to their full economic recovery and we are happy to add yet another program to assist in that effort,” said Mayor Sarno. “My administration has allocated over $25 million in funding for small business and neighborhood economic recovery programming.”
The awarded businesses are:
Business Name | Amount Awarded | Designation |
City Line Café (9 Rimmon Avenue) | $250,000 |
Liberty Heights
|
Student Prince Restaurant & The Fort (8 Fort Street) | $179,450 | Metro Center |
John Boyle O’Reilly Club (33 Progress Ave) | $250,000 | East Springfield |
White Lion Brewing Company (1500 Main Street) | $250,000 | Metro Center |
Hot Table (1500 Main Street) | $195,000 | Metro Center |
Nadim’s Downtown (1390 Main Street) | $100,000 | Metro Center |
Springfield Business Improvement District (Duryea Way/Stearns Square) | $35,000 | Metro Center |
Granny’s Baking Table (309 Bridge Street) | $46,160 | Metro Center |
Osteria (301 Bridge Street) | $75,000 | Metro Center |
Theodores (201 Worthington Street) | $65,000 | Metro Center |
UNO Pizzeria & Grill (820 Hall of Fame Ave) | $100,000 | South End |
Hilton Garden Inn (800 Hall of Fame Ave) | $75,000 | South End |
Nathan Bills Bar & Restaurant (106-110 Island Pond Road) | $75,000 | East Forest Park |
The Mamou (272 Worthington Street) | $53,332 | Metro Center |
Loophole Brewing (51-59 Taylor Street | $100,000 | Metro Center |
2 Guys Pizza (477 Page Blvd) | $75,000 | East Springfield |
1441 Main Street (1441 Main Street) | $75,000 | Metro Center |
