Wicker, Fitzpatrick propose bipartisan, bicameral RESTAURANTS Act

U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker (R-MS) and U.S. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) on Feb. 4 unveiled bipartisan, bicameral legislation to establish a $120 billion revitalization fund to support independent restaurants and small franchisees during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

“The coronavirus pandemic continues to threaten the existence of many of America’s restaurants and the suppliers that support them,” Sen. Wicker said. “Without additional targeted relief, many restaurants, especially small and independent establishments, may not survive the year because of state indoor dining restrictions.” 

Sen. Wicker sponsored the Real Economic Support That Acknowledges Unique Restaurant Assistance Needed to Survive (RESTAURANTS) Act of 2021, S. 255, with lead cosponsor U.S. Sen. Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ) in their chamber, while Rep. Fitzpatrick signed on as the lead cosponsor of the same-named H.R. 793, with bill sponsor U.S. Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-OR). The U.S. House of Representatives’ version has more than 80 cosponsors.

“Our independent, local restaurants continue to be hit especially hard by the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Rep. Fitzpatrick. “Forced to continuously reimagine operations in response to each new, ambiguous state dining restriction thrown their way, and often limited to utilizing solely take-out and delivery services, many family-operated restaurants in my community and across our great nation have lost thousands of dollars in potential income and have resorted to unprecedented adaptive measures.”

If enacted, the measure would create a $120 billion Restaurant Revitalization Fund to provide relief to food service or drinking establishments that are part of a group of up to 20 facilities, according to a bill summary provided by the lawmakers. Owners could apply for grants of up to $10 million to cover eligible expenses retroactively to Feb. 15, 2020, and ending eight months after the legislation is signed into law.

“The mom and pop diners and delis on Main Street need our help,” said Rep. Fitzpatrick. “Our bipartisan, bicameral RESTAURANTS ACT will provide local businesses and their hardworking employees with the hope and support to survive this pandemic.”

Additionally, grants authorized under the bill could be used to support payroll, benefits, mortgage, rent, utilities, building maintenance and construction of outdoor facilities, supplies (including protective equipment and cleaning materials), food, operational expenses, paid sick leave, debt obligations to suppliers, and any other essential expenses, the summary says.

“The RESTAURANTS Act would provide support to help these small businesses adapt their operations and keep their employees on the payroll as our nation works to finish the fight against COVID-19,” Sen. Wicker said. 

The legislation is supported by the Independent Restaurant Coalition and the National Restaurant Association.