Otter Commercial Services

2020 has been an incredibly hard year, especially for the hospitality industry. As December arrives, so does a bit of welcome good news.

The Return of Outside On-Site Dining:

On November 13th Governor Kate Brown ordered a two week “freeze” in Oregon. For Multnomah County and other hotspots, the freeze was expected to last at least four weeks. During this time restaurants would once again be restricted to take-out and delivery only.

An updated strategy was announced at a press conference on the 23rd which will allow restaurants and bars to resume outdoor on-site seating beginning December 3rd. This is welcome news to those businesses that have invested much time and money in creating safe, comfortable outdoor areas for their patrons.

Multnomah County Is Providing Relief Grants to The Food Service Industry:

In November Governor Brown announced that the state would release $55 million in CARES Act funds to Oregon businesses impacted by the restrictions put in place to stem the spread of COVID-19. Each county was allotted $500,000 with additional funds based on population. Multnomah County is expected to receive approximately $7.6 million which will be distributed primarily to businesses within the hospitality industry.

All businesses with a maximum of 5 food service licenses active between January 1st and September 30th are eligible to apply. Food carts are eligible for $5oo per license while restaurants, catering companies and other businesses with food service licenses will receive $1,500 per license. Women, Tribal and BIPOC- owned businesses will be given preference. The funds may be used to help cover any operational costs.

The county expects to disperse the grants by the end of the year. Applications are available now on the Multnomah County webpage and must be submitted by 5pm on December 15th.