Kansas City, Missouri – Working with Second District Councilman Wes Rogers, Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas has launched a new project targeted at helping Kansas City’s active food scene in a major attempt to revive neighborhood businesses and improve urban eating experiences. Announced on Monday, the Kansas City Outdoor Dining Enhancement Program promises to boost the local economy by supporting renovations to outdoor dining areas at pubs, coffee shops, and restaurants all over the city.
From July 29 to August 16, 2024, businesses can apply for a slice of this cash boost, coming from the Convention and Tourism Fund, to enhance their outdoor seating arrangements.
“Kansas City’s small businesses are the backbone of our vibrant community, yet many restaurant owners face barriers when expanding their operations, upgrading, or creating innovative, unique concepts to attract more business,” Mayor Lucas said.
He underlined that helping these companies improves the dining scene of the city and fosters closer ties among the residents.
Grants of up to $15,000 are available to qualified companies for use in a range of renovations including new building construction, infrastructure upgrades, enlarged pathways, and furniture and covering purchases. Grantees will also gain from lower prices for mandatory permits and inspections needed to open sidewalk and street cafés.
Restaurants have to be private, for-profit, full-service dining venues housed in Kansas City, Missouri in order to be eligible for the money. They must have the appropriate business licenses and permits as well as be in good standing with the city, evidenced by a KCMO Tax Clearance letter. They also had to have been operational for at least one year—that is, acquired a KCMO business license by July 1, 2023.
The improved outdoor dining space must raise the total number of dining tables accessible for at least six months within a calendar year, therefore ensuring that the advantages of the award have a long-lasting effect. In order to comply with ADA guidelines and guarantee accessibility for every customer, the layout also must allow a clear 5-foot walkway.
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The official website of the city at KCMO.gov/outdoorapplication provides further information and the application form for restaurants seeking grant eligibility. Local companies may email or phone KC BizCare at (816) 513-2491 for more questions. This project shows city officials’ purposeful attempt to create a vibrant, interesting dining scene that supports Kansas City’s general social and economic well-being.
