government

Financing

Week One of the $29B Restaurant Revitalization Fund: $2B awarded

Initial grants averaged $125,000, draining the fund by about 7%. Industry officials have voiced fears that the pool will run dry in a matter of weeks.

Financing

The Restaurant Revitalization Fund has already received a lot of applications

The $29 billion fund already has 186,200 applicants in just two days. About half the requests have come from operators believed to be most in need, the White House says.

Diners who buy food at participating locations can also get a free beverage between May 19 and June 1 if they show proof of inoculation.

The move coincides with an end of restrictions in New Jersey and Connecticut. A nightly curfew will continue until May 31.

National Restaurant Association officials say the pool could run dry before many companies can get aid. And not every type of restaurant will even be considered for another 21 days.

The president's strategy for the nation would affect all Americans. But several elements hold particular import for restaurants

More funds are suddenly becoming available at the federal, state and local level.

Tighter capacity caps will be imposed on two more jurisdictions. The measures are intended to run for a week.

Applications for up to $10 million from the Restaurant Revitalization Fund begin May 3, and operators can register ahead of time starting Friday.

Customers who dine inside restaurants still need face coverings, even if they've had the vaccine.

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