Restaurant Recovery Update 4.27.21
Restaurant Recovery Fund - Timeline for applications

This morning, the SBA officially announced new details on the Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF) and the timeline for applications. 

Registrations for the application will begin this Friday, April 30th, at 9 am eastern and applications will officially open on Monday, May 3rd, at noon eastern. 
 
We are encouraging all operators to apply as soon as possible.
 
From the SBA:
 SBA Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman today announced the U.S. Small Business Administration will begin registrations on Friday, April 30, 2021, at 9 a.m. EDT and open applications on Monday, May 3, 2021, at noon EDT for the Restaurant Revitalization Fund. The online application will remain open to any eligible establishment until all funds are exhausted. 

In preparation, the SBA recommends qualifying applicants familiarize themselves with the application process in advance to ensure a smooth and efficient application experience, specifically by:

  • Registering for an account in advance at restaurants.sba.gov starting Friday, April 30, 2021, at 9 a.m. EDT.
  • Reviewing the official guidance, including program guide, frequently asked questions, and application sample.
  • Preparing the required documentation.
  • Working with a point-of-sale vendor or visiting restaurants.sba.gov to submit an application when the application portal opens. [Note: If an applicant is working with a point-of-sale vendor, they do not need to register beforehand on the site.]

Reopen Massachusetts
 
Today, the Baker-Polito Administration announced that Massachusetts will reopen some outdoor Phase 4, Step 2 industries effective May 10th and put plans in place for further reopening on May 29th and August 1st. The Administration will also relax the Face Coverings Order for some outdoor settings, effective April 30th. 
 
Effective Monday, May 10th:
 
Large venues such as indoor and outdoor stadiums, arenas and ballparks currently open as part of Phase 4, Step 1 at 12% will be permitted to increase capacity to 25%.
 
Singing will also be permitted indoors with strict distancing requirements at performance venues, restaurants, event venues and other businesses.
 
Effective May 29th:
 
Subject to public health and vaccination data, gathering limits will increase:
  • to 200 people indoors and 250 people outdoors for event venues, public settings and private settings.
 
  • the restaurant guidance will be updated to eliminate the requirement that food be served with alcohol and to increase the maximum table size to 10.
 
  • Bars, beer gardens, breweries, wineries and distilleries, will be subject to restaurant rules with seated service only, a 90 minute limit and no dance floors.
 
 Effective August 1st:
 
Subject to public health and vaccination data, remaining industries will be permitted to open including:
 
  • Dance clubs and nightclubs
 
All industry restrictions will be lifted at that time, and capacity will increase to 100% for all industries, with businesses encouraged to continue following best practices. The gathering limit will be rescinded.
 
Depending on vaccine distribution and public health data, the Administration may consider re-evaluating the August 1st date.

The Department of Public Health will also continue to issue guidance as needed, including guidance to still require masks indoors.
 
Massachusetts Restaurant Association
160 East Main Street, Suite 2, Westborough, MA 01581
Phone: (508) 303-9905  www.themassrest.org