MESA AL FRESCO Bouncing back from closures due to COVID-19, Mesa’s restaurants and bars needed creativity and alternative approaches to keep their doors open. The Mesa Al Fresco program offers a microgrant of up to $1,000 for restaurants and bars to expand dining outdoors. The funding could be used for tables, chairs, umbrellas, lighting and temporary fencing. Mayor John Giles said of the program, "As the weather cools down, the Al Fresco program allows Mesa restaurants to expand service areas outdoors, to serve more customers and provide more dining options."
AT-A-GLANCE
41 GRANTS
$20,000 INVESTED IN RESTAURANTS Through December 8, 2020.
City staff from numerous departments worked to create a streamlined process to approve expansion of premises requests. Compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), social distancing, and other safety requirements are required to participate in the program.