MENG AND SBS COMMISSIONER GROSS VISIT QUEENS RESTAURANTS TO INCREASE AWARENESS OF FREE OUTDOOR DINING SETUPS; PROGRAM PAID FOR WITH $2 MILLION THAT MENG BROUGHT BACK FROM[...]

QUEENS, NY - U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-Queens) and New York City Small Business Services (SBS) Commissioner Dynishal Gross visited restaurants in Elmhurst, Queens to continue spreading the word about free outdoor dining setups that are available through federal funding that the Congresswoman secured.

Under the "Dining Out in District 6" program, 60 Queens restaurants are eligible to receive new code-compliant, no-cost outdoor dining setups paid for with $2 million that Meng obtained in last year's government spending package.

The initiative is administered by SBS and the New York City Department of Transportation, and several local restaurants have already received funding since the Congresswoman and city officials unveiled the program in Jackson Heights this past June. But money is still available for many more establishments.

Also joining Meng and Gross in visiting the restaurants was Tom Grech, the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Queens Chamber of Commerce.

"Restaurants continue to be crucial to Queens, helping to serve as the engine of our borough's economy, and as the daughter of former restaurant owners in the area, I know firsthand the important role they play in our communities," said Congresswoman Meng. "I am proud to have secured these funds to help restaurants succeed while providing the public with the experience of dining al fresco. I continue to encourage restaurants in my congressional district to take advantage of this free money that I brought back from the nation's capital, and I'm excited to continue making additional eating and drinking establishments aware of it. Thank you to Commissioner Gross for partnering with me on this effort, and going door-to-door with me and our teams to inform restaurant owners about this critical program."

"The 'Dining Out in District 6' program contributes to equity of opportunity in Queens by helping local restaurants, many owned by immigrant New Yorkers, expand their service options," said Commissioner Gross. "Thanks to Congresswoman Meng's support, these businesses will create inviting and compliant outdoor dining spaces without the cost of materials and installation. This program underscores SBS's commitment to empowering small businesses, enhancing our neighborhoods, and creating vibrant, welcoming spaces for New Yorkers and visitors alike. Congresswomen Meng's support has helped SBS create a model intervention that can be replicated in every district across the city."

"Queens' restaurants are more than just top dining destinations-they create jobs, celebrate our diverse cultures, and offer spaces that unite our communities," said Tom Grech. "Thanks to Congresswoman Meng and this innovative partnership with SBS, our local eateries can enhance their outdoor dining offerings at no cost-keeping Queens vibrant, accessible, and competitive. This program is a tremendous resource for businesses, and we're excited to help execute this important grant opportunity. I encourage all eligible restaurants to apply and join in expanding the outdoor dining experience across Queens."

In addition to visiting restaurants in Elmhurst, staff from SBS and Meng's office visited establishments in Forest Hills, Flushing and Woodside. SBS personnel also visited and contacted restaurants throughout other parts of Meng's district.

Dining Out in District 6 is part of Dining Out NYC, the city's permanent outdoor dining program that was launched in March.

To receive free outdoor dining kits paid for with the money that Meng secured, restaurants must be located in Meng's 6th congressional district. Those that are interested should fill out an Interest Form or call SBS at 888-SBS-4NYC.