New York City’s permanent outdoor dining program, Dining Out NYC, is accepting applications until August 3rd, as announced by the city government. They will allocate $2 million to provide compliant free outdoor dining facilities for about 60 restaurants in the congressional sixth district, where Representative Grace Meng is located. This funding, secured by Meng, comes from a grant obtained by the New York City Small Business Services (SBS) from the Small Business Administration (SBA).
Thanks to the funding secured by Grace Meng, the pilot project “Sixth District Dining Out” will kick off with three restaurants along Northern Boulevard.
The New York City Transit Authority will provide a range of services and resources. Restaurants in Grace Meng’s district interested in the free outdoor dining facilities program can fill out an application form at: https://shorturl.at/rRuc4, or call the SBS hotline (888-SBS-4NYC).
The NYC Outdoor Dining Program includes curbside and sidewalk dining areas, and will lower costs for each participating restaurant in five boroughs. The optional “Dining Out NYC Setup Menu” offers customizable yet prefabricated design facilities, allowing restaurants to easily and aesthetically comply with the program rules.
Each curbside dining area consists of modular, durable, and easily customizable facilities that meet NYC outdoor dining requirements. These are designed by companies specializing in prefabricated structures in the outdoor dining market in New York City, including ShowFab, ModStreet, and Chair Up, meeting the requirements of the outdoor dining program.
ModStreet/ChairUp utilized a steel frame system, top cover, and narrow barriers with tightly woven mesh panels in the installation at Fabrika restaurant, providing more space for seating – a standout feature of this small restaurant storefront.
ShowFab incorporated a water-filled barrier in a customizable frame in the installation at Mojitos Bar. This barrier includes a top covering, creating a beautiful environment for diners. This modular and durable design can be used year after year.
The city is collaborating with WXY and SITU Fabrication to develop a customized water-filled barrier design, set to be installed in Queens later this summer. This water-filled barrier approach will offer a safe, cost-effective, and aesthetically appealing curbside dining solution for restaurants across the city.
Restaurants with outdoor dining facilities must apply by August 3rd or remove non-compliant facilities by the deadline. The NYC Transit Authority is currently promoting the application process for the permanent outdoor dining plan through LinkNYC, bus shelters, and social media platforms.
The dining season in 2025 is set to begin in the spring next year, with New Yorkers seeing new models that are more pest-resistant and enhance the appearance of the streets.