New COVID relief for breweries, bars, and restaurants

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) -- Wednesday, April 7 is National Beer Day. In honor of the celebratory day, Senator John Hickenlooper visited Colorado Springs to shed light on the Restaurant Revitalization Fund.

The fund is part of the American Rescue Plan. It provides $28.6 billion in direct aid to restaurants, bars, breweries, food trucks, and more.

Grants distributed under this fund are flexible and can be used for mortgage, payroll, supplies, rent, and construction.

Women, veteran, and minority-owned businesses will have priority the first three weeks of the application period.

Hickenlooper, a former brewpub owner, visited Atrevida Beer Company. There, he met with Colorado Springs Mayor John Suthers and several local brewery restaurant owners to discuss the fund.

“The pandemic has been hard for businesses, but especially for restaurants, bars, and brewers,” Hickenlooper said. “Dozens of Colorado breweries closed down last year and many more are hurting. The Restaurant Revitalization Fund will help them by providing flexible emergency aid for everything from rent and supplies to the cost of PPE and construction for outdoor seating.” 

The owner, Nina lee, said she is hopeful of the help the fund will bring.

"There are jobs to be had now and if we can somehow bridge that communication with our community, I think that would give us restaurants, and owners some hope.

Applications are not yet open. Read a fact sheet on the program by clicking here.