President Joe Biden will speak on Wednesday about a new federal assistance program for restaurant and bar owners affected by the pandemic, as part of the stimulus package approved in March.
“Despite their importance, restaurants and bars have suffered greatly during the pandemic,” the White House said in a statement.
The program, called the Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF), began accepting applications on May 3.
The RRF distributes $ 28.6 billion (up to $ 10 million per company and $ 5 million per location) so that bars, restaurants, food trucks and other establishments can cover their losses during the COVID-19 pandemic, including paying salaries and rents.
According to the White House, in the first two days since the program’s opening, 186,200 businesses across the country have applied for federal aid.
CONCERN OF RESTAURANTS AFFECTED BY THE PANDEMIC
In a statement, Tom Bené, executive director of the National Restaurant Association, expressed concern Monday that requests for help would exceed available funds.
“Restaurants are operating in an environment of uncertainty, with a constant need to restore customer trust and return workers to their jobs. We will continue to work with legislators to find solutions, including additional funds, ”said Bené.
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