Program helps fund outdoor dining for small businesses in Queens

QUEENS, N.Y. (PIX11) — Outdoor dining has become a way of life for so many people. Now a new pilot program in parts of Queens is helping small business owners offer the service to their customers.

The program is called Dining Out in District 6. U.S. Rep. Grace Meng secured $2 million in federal funding to equip 60 restaurants in her district with free outdoor dining sheds or sidewalk setups.

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"We heard from restaurants who said, 'Hey we know there are new regulations and we want it but we can't afford it,' and I heard this repeatedly. And we heard from residents who whether they liked the program or not wanted a better setup," Meng said.

The program is administered by the New York City Department of Small Business Services.

"We want these businesses to thrive. They provide jobs, community gathering places and they are very important to the local economy and city," said Dynishal Gross, the commissioner of the New York City Department of Small Business Services.

The city said businesses will receive free sheds that are already compliant with the city's new regulations.

"The permanent program was designed to address both the business needs and the community concerns, so it's a modular setup. The walls are closed. There are no deep planters that can harbor vermin. The floor panels raise up to provide drainage," Gross said.

To apply online,.

Jessica Rico, who is with Mojitos Restaurant and Bar in Jackson Heights, received one of the sheds.

"It helps a lot for us as a small business. In the summer months it's more income," Rico said.

She said the outdoor dining structure increased her business 50-60% in the summer. It is also compliant with the city's new outdoor dining rules.

"The structure is so different and clean, so for us it's awesome. Our customers love it," Rico said.

She encouraged others to apply.

"Grateful to Meng. The structure costs a lot of money and that we received the help was awesome for us," Rico said.