Money to help restaurant workers affected by the COVID-19 crisis and advance equity in the recovery process

The Restaurant Revitalization Program (RRP) provides up to $30,000 to select restaurants to pay unemployed or under-employed workers affected by the COVID-19 crisis. This 6- to 12-week program helps restaurants that want to support their workers’ financial well-being and help feed community members in need.

The City is partnering with One Fair Wage’s High Road Kitchens program, which provides flexible funding for supplies, food, or other needs for restaurants that commit to One Fair Wage’s employment principles.

Awards

To date RRP and the High Road Kitchens Program has awarded 94 restaurants more than $2.3 million collectively. The programs will direct $3 million into hardest-hit communities to support over 100 restaurants across the five boroughs.

Please see below for the list of 95 awarded restaurants.

More about the program

• Restaurants applied for up to a maximum of $30,000 to pay the wages of five or more workers for 6–12 weeks.
• Restaurants pay wages upfront and submit records for NYC Human Resources Administration (HRA) to pay them back. HRA can provide 25% of the total funds granted to each restaurant at the start of the program.
• HRA reimburses the restaurant for wages of $20 per hour plus up to 25% of the required fringe benefits (such as social security, medicare, etc.) for the program period. Restaurants do not need to pay employees $20 per hour after the program ends but must commit to paying at least minimum wage over time.
• Workers in the program prepare regular meals plus free meals for community members affected by COVID-19.
• The restaurants must keep and share payroll information and report on wages and other practices during and after the program.
• The restaurants should follow all local guidelines for COVID-19-related safety measures.
• Restaurants can also apply for One Fair Wage’s High Road Kitchens program, which offers extra money for supplies, food, or other needs.

How restaurants were selected

To be eligible for RRP, you must:

• Plan to pay all employees at least the non-tipped minimum wage ($15/hour with tips on top) within five years of your restaurant returning to regular practices
• Agree to serve at least 500 free meals to community members affected by COVID-19, including those who are food insecure, essential workers, or others facing challenges

Selection into the program also considered additional criteria, including:

• Commitment to “high road” employer practices that promote livable wages; greater race and gender equity in recruitment, hiring, promotion, training, and evaluation; and other worker-friendly conditions
• Number of free meals above the 500 minimum that you propose to serve
• Location in a high-needs area
• Use of local or regional produce and goods that support the regional system’s needs
• The restaurants’ need and ability to take part in the program

Application Process

The application for the Restaurant Revitalization is now closed.