Applications for new Restaurant Outdoor Dining Grant Program available starting Nov. 20

In response to Orange County moving back to the most restrictive tier, the County is launching the OC Restaurant Outdoor Dining Grant Program to support local restaurants providing outdoor dining as required by the State’s COVID-19 purple tier guidelines.

The OC Restaurant Outdoor Dining Grant Program will award $1,000 grants to 1,000 eligible restaurants through CARES Act federal funding. These much-needed dollars are meant to help alleviate financial hardships local restaurants are facing due to additional restrictions.

Awardees must use the funding solely to purchase outdoor heaters/warmers, lighting or canopies and tents to provide for outdoor dining. Restaurants are required to submit an application on the County’s website to be considered for the grant funding. Eligible applications will be funded on a first-come, first-served basis, and incomplete applications will be automatically disqualified.

Due to the overwhelming response of previous County business grant programs, restaurants are strongly encouraged to review the program criteria and gather required documentation in advance, which can be found at this link.

Applications open at 9 am on Friday, November 20.