Restaurant Industry Gets $35M in Relief Funds

By Jim Pytell, Managing Editor On Apr 9, 2021

The restaurant industry is getting some more relief. Today, Gov. Phil Murphy signed legislation providing $35 million in federal COVID-19 relief funds for restaurants, bars, breweries, brewpubs, and wineries. The bill is part of a five-bill, $100-million relief effort aimed at helping New Jersey’s small businesses recover from the pandemic.

“For the past year, our restaurants have fought the good fight, and we know that fight has not been easy,” Murphy said. “This legislation will provide a much needed lifeline to small business owners, who, through no fault of their own, have been devastated by this pandemic.”

Murphy said that the legislation adds to the efforts of the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (EDA), Department of Community Affairs, and the New Jersey Redevelopment Authority, and doubles an initial $35 million commitment made to the industry a few months ago.

The relief aid will be administered by the EDA, which to date, has distributed more than $250 million in aid to some 55,000 businesses across the state. 

“The COVID-19 pandemic has been an unprecedented health and economic tragedy for everyone, but it is hard to think of a sector that has been hit harder than restaurants,” said EDA CEO Tim Sullivan. “There is now a light at the end of the tunnel, but we still have a long way to go to get there. The $35 million in new grant funding Governor Murphy has signed into law today will provide vital support these businesses need to bridge the gap and continue reopening safely.”

“Now, not only will more of our dining establishments be able to make it through more of the pandemic, but they will be poised for a stronger future once it is over,” Murphy said, adding that he will continue to look for more and new ways to provide further support to the industry.

“I know that margins for our restaurants – if they are positive at all – remain razor thin,” the governor continued. “The added support that this law provides will help more of them keep their doors open and their kitchens running.”

Currently, New Jersey restaurants are allowed 50% capacity for indoor dining.

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