March 6, 2023

Today, Mayor Erin Mendenhall and the Salt Lake City Department of Economic Development announced the launch of an Outdoor Dining Grant Program. The program aims to help restaurants and bars that were negatively impacted during COVID-19.

“Restaurants and bars are an integral part of our city, and they were hit hard over the past few years,” said Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall. “But they were innovative and turned to outdoor patios to help serve more customers and keep our economy alive while under pandemic restrictions. Outdoor dining was a huge success–not only did it help our downtown bounce back faster than any other urban center in the country, it was also a great test case for what the future of dining and nightlife in Salt Lake City can look like.”

“One silver lining is that many restaurants and bars realized outdoor dining can help improve and grow their business while creating more vibrant and active places in our city,” said Roberta Reichgelt, Director of Business Development and Senior Advisor of Economic Development. “Our hope is that this grant program will help cover costs for businesses who expanded their outdoor dining during the pandemic and encourage those businesses now interested in outdoor dining to participate.” 

The program requirements and guidelines are as follows:

Businesses that may apply must:

• Be located in Salt Lake City
• Have a current SLC Business License
• Be in a fixed business location
• Offer in-person retail, restaurant, or bar service

How much funding is available:

• $5,000 per business for outdoor dining costs (reimbursement available for costs as of April 2021).
• $10,000 per Open Street event (events closing the street to support outdoor dining and street activation)

The Outdoor Dining Grant Program will accept applications beginning March 6, 2023 through May 30, 2023. Grants will be issued on a first-come, first-served basis, or until funds are no longer available. 

Additional details can be found by emailing ed@slcgov.com.

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About Salt Lake City Department of Economic Development: Formed in 2016, Salt Lake City’s Department of Economic Development is focused on building Salt Lake City as a vibrant, beautiful, prosperous, diverse, and authentic place – a place that is economically accessible to everyone. Known as the “Crossroads of the West,” Salt Lake City is strategically located for businesses to succeed. SLCDED works to streamline processes, provide excellent customer service, and offer an array of resources and services to recruit and retain businesses in the City, and ensure they have the tools to thrive.  Learn more at www.slc.gov/ed.