The City of New York offers an array of resources to support small businesses with installing and maintaining their outdoor dining cafes. Below is a list of resources from City agencies.
Small Business Services Support for Food Establishments
NYC Department of Small Business Services (SBS) will provide additional information once the application portal opens.
SBS offers free services to help your business start, operate, and grow, including business courses, financing assistance, legal services, regulatory assistance, emergency preparedness, and more. Specific help offered by SBS for businesses interested in participating in Dining Out NYC includes:
- Regulatory assistance: The NYC Business Express Service Team (NYC BEST) can help restaurants understand and comply with new program rules and other city regulations.
- Dining Out NYC Financial Planning Tool: Helps business operators determine if participation in the permanent outdoor dining program is right for their business. (Note: this tool is a business resource only and is not part of the Dining Out NYC application)
- Download the Dining Out NYC Financial Planning Tool (xls)
- Learn more about financing assistance available for your restaurant at nyc.gov/financingassistance
- SBS Hotline: Representatives are available Monday through Friday from 9am to 5pm to answer your questions about the Dining Out NYC program or use of the Financial Planning Tool. Call 888-SBS-4NYC (888-727-4692).
For more information, call 888-SBS-4NYC (888-727-4692) or ask our MyCity Chatbot a question at nyc.gov/business.
Fire Department Resources for Outdoor Dining
- Heater Approvals: Portable outdoor natural gas fired heater information and application
Department of Health Resources for Outdoor Dining
- Whether you work in a restaurant, soup kitchen or other food service establishment, the Health Department has important information about operating a clean, safe, healthy, and legal business.
- Every restaurant in New York City is scheduled for an unannounced inspection by the NYC Health Department at least once a year. During the inspection, an inspector checks for compliance with city and state food safety regulations and marks points for any condition that violates these rules.
- Food Preparation and Food Establishment Health Code
- How to Reduce Rats Around Outdoor Dining
- Best Practices for Pest Proofing
- NYC Department of Health information about applying for a permit for a restaurant or other food service establishment, and additional services for food service operators
Department of Sanitation Resources for Outdoor Dining
- Commercial Waste Containerization: Food-related and chain businesses MUST set out trash in bins with secure lids.
- Commercial organics requirements law
- Restrictions on Providing Utensils, Condiments, Napkins and Containers
- Recycling laws for businesses
- Information about single use plastic bags law
- Restrictions on distribution of plastic straws, splash sticks, stirrers
- Information about NYC Foam ban