Relief program delivers nearly $2.4M in needed products and funds to Oakland County restaurants and bars impacted by COVID-19 pauses

Oakland County’s Oakland Together Restaurant Relief Grant has delivered 269 igloos and greenhouses, 1,022 outdoor propane heaters, 6,088 propane exchanges (20 lbs.), 868 electrostatic sprayers, and 1,683 gallons of electrostatic disinfectant to restaurants in 49 cities, villages, and townships.

"The current surge in COVID-19 cases indicates that we all need to continue to work together to take measures to slow the spread of the virus in the community," Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter. "This equipment enables restaurants to continue to operate while ensuring a safe dining experience for customers."

In December 2020, Oakland County allocated $3 million from the county’s general fund, to help bars and restaurants facing challenges from the State of Michigan’s three-week “pause” ordered Nov. 15. The health order limited bars and restaurants to providing outside dining, carryout and delivery service only.

“The Restaurant Relief Grant has allowed us to acquire items critical to ensuring the safety of both customers and staff,” said Randy Bahoom of Fuddruckers, Southfield. “We’ve been able to obtain new point-of-sale technology for touchless credit card transactions, outdoor heaters to keep our customers comfortable while enjoying their meal on our patio, a sanitizing gun sprayer and take-out supplies, including paper products and to-go boxes.”

Through this two-phased program, Oakland County has awarded about $2.84 million in needed products and funds to partnering cities, villages, and townships. Local communities are using these products and funds to support dine-in restaurants, bars and cafes.

“We greatly appreciate Oakland County’s support of local restaurants, bars and cafes through the Restaurant Relief Program,” said Glenn Lapin, economic development specialist, city of Troy. “Our food and beverage establishments have experienced very difficult challenges during this past year. Assistance through this program has enabled these businesses to enhance outdoor dining options, make critical technology updates and provide for much needed PPE.

Approximately 20 Troy restaurants, bars, and cafes are expected to participate in phase one and two of the program. These businesses provide employment for more than 500 people. I know that our restaurants, bars and cafes are very appreciative for the support.”

“The Restaurant Relief program allowed us to directly support our businesses that have been struggling because of the pandemic. We appreciate the partnership with Oakland County to help local small businesses,” said John Martin, city manager, city of Sylvan Lake.

Restaurant, bar and café owners can contact Oakland County at restaurantrelief@oakgov.com to find out what cities, villages, and townships have received awards. The program ends on June 30, 2021.