$3M in aid coming to city eateries

New York City restaurants reeling from the economic impact of coronavirus will receive $3 million in grants, Mayor de Blasio and city First Lady Chirlane McCray announced Thursday.

Establishments in neighborhoods hit hardest by COVID-19 — which are predominantly communities of color — will be eligible for grants of up to $35,000 so they can provide $20-an-hour wages for at least six weeks, according to the administration.

“Will these communitybased restaurants survive? Will this thing we prize and cherish still be there for us? How can we do something about it?” Hizzoner said, citing concerns he’s heard in recent weeks.

He then put the spotlight on McCray, whom he had appointed to a task force helping guide the city’s coronavirus response.

“As we move closer to reopening the city’s economy, we must tend to the small businesses at the heart and soul of our neighborhoods,” she said.

The city will start by “saving” 100 restaurants, McCray added. Owners can apply for funds at nyc.gov/opportunity.

Only establishments in 27 neighborhoods throughout all five boroughs will be eligible. Those are named at the site.

Priority will be given to restaurants that commit to paying employees full minimum wage, not counting tips, once business conditions return to normal, according to a program overview. The city committed $2 million to the undertaking and a non-profit called One Fair Wage contributed $1 million.

“Our dollars, which we raise with the help of thousands of grassroots donors from all around the country will help ensure workers earn a living wage both now and in the future,” said Toya Williford, executive director of the Mayor’s Fund to Advance NYC.

The announcement came after restaurant revenue plummeted nearly 90% during the first four months of the year, according to the mayor’s office.