Outdoor Dining + Restaurant Survival = Restaurant Association

What’s happening? The US Restaurant Association wrote to the U.S. Conference of Mayors that extending waivers for outdoor dining is necessary for the industry’s survival.

Why is this important? Land Use. Sidewalks and Parking lots are what’s being utilized for outdoor dining. Plus, 2/3 of restaurants who applied received no funding from the Restaurant Revitalization Fund

How will this be important? The restaurant industry numbers show:

• In recent weeks, the coronavirus delta variant slowed indoor dining at 78% of restaurants nationwide.
• 20% of diners prefer to eat outside.
• At 68% of full-service restaurants, outdoor dining is 20% or more of daily sales.
• Slightly more than 60% of restaurants can only use their outdoor space through October. 
• Only 30% of eateries plan to utilize outdoor seating the entire winter.

Route Fifty | Restaurants Urge Mayors to Extend Outdoor Dining Through Winter