(Des Moines) Gov. Reynolds’s Nov. 16, 2020 proclamation ordered bars, restaurants, and other establishments to limit their hours of operations and continue social distancing measures to assist in preventing the further spread of COVID-19. The Iowa Restaurant and Bar Relief Grant Program will provide eligible businesses with a one-time grant to assist with short-term cash flow.
Eligible Businesses
- An Iowa-based brick and mortar establishment in which the primary purpose is serving food or drink
- The independent, Iowa-based business must not be part of a national restaurant franchise as defined by the National Restaurant Association. A restaurant franchise has 20 or more locations doing business under the same name, regardless of the type of ownership.
- If restaurant, must provide full-service dining.
- Must have experienced at least a 15% decrease in gross sales, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, in combined Q2 and Q3 2020 compared to combined Q2 and Q3 2019 (April 1-Sept. 30).
- Sales verifications will be based off Iowa Sales/Retailer’s Use Tax and Surcharge Return and verified with Iowa Department of Revenue database.
- Businesses without historical gross sales revenue loss data (ie Q2 and Q3 2019, such as eligible businesses established after June, 30, 2019) will be reviewed for a possible award and as funds are available.
- The business must have open for business on or before April 1, 2020.
- The business must not have permanently closed. If temporarily closed, business has plan to reopen.
- Must be registered to do business in the State of Iowa and have physical location in the state.
Ineligible Businesses
- Quick Service Restaurant (QSR), Fast Food, Snacks
- Fast Casual
- Delivery and Take-Away Only
- Ice Cream Parlor, Frozen Dessert
- Coffee Shop, Tea House
- Smoothie, Juice Bars
- Food Trucks
- Adult Entertainment
- Any organization not in good standing with the Iowa Department of Revenue (IDR), Alcoholic Beverages Division (ABD), Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals (DIA).
