Mesa Al Fresco encourages restaurants and bars to provide open air patio dining

September 29, 2020 at 10:15 am

The City of Mesa is actively working with Mesa dining and beverage establishments to temporarily expand their services to outdoor areas on their property. Mesa Al Fresco has teamed up with the Mesa CARES Small Business Technical Assistance Program, which offers a reimbursement of up to $1000 to offset the cost of the patio expansion. The funding could be used for such items as tables, chairs, umbrellas, lighting and temporary fencing.

"We're continually looking for ways to help restaurants and small businesses navigate the ongoing pandemic," Mayor John Giles said. "As the weather cools down, the Al Fresco program will allow Mesa restaurants to expand service areas outdoors, to serve more customers and provide more dining options."

City staff from numerous departments have been working to create a very streamlined process to approve expansion of premises requests. The permit fees will be funded with Mesa CARES dollars with the goal of approving applications within two to four business days. The restaurant owners and operators will need to obtain landlord approvals to temporarily expand their facilities and ensure compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), social distancing and other life/safety requirements to protect the public.

Mesa's Development Services Small Business Assistant, Heather Omta, will be the central point of contact to receive, review and approve expansion requests. For more information, contact Heather at heather.omta@mesaaz.gov or (480) 644-6451.

Applications are available online at www.mesaaz.gov/home/showdocument?id=39326. The application deadline is Dec. 1, 2020. The expansion funding, if approved, will be available on a first come, first served basis. Businesses seeking reimbursement must enroll in the Mesa CARES Small Business Technical Assistance Program to qualify for the Mesa Al Fresco program. Applications and information are available at www.mesaaz.gov/CARESBizTechAssist.

Mesa City Council recently took action to allow creation of Mesa Al Fresco, part of the Mesa CARES Initiative that supports individuals, families and businesses impacted by COVID-19. Funding comes from the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act.

Public Information and Communications
Contact: Kevin Christopher
Tel. 480-644-4699
kevin.christopher@mesaaz.gov