U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-6) visited northeast Queens last weekend to introduce local restaurant owners to a new free outdoor dining initiative aimed at supporting small businesses.
Meng was joined by New York City Small Business Services (SBS) Commissioner Dynishal Gross as they visited restaurants in Elmhurst, Forest Hills, and Woodside to share news of the Dining Out in District 6 program.
The program provides 60 Queens restaurants with new, code-compliant outdoor dining setups at no cost, funded by a $2 million grant from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) secured by Rep. Meng.
To qualify for the free outdoor dining kits, restaurants must be located within Rep. Meng’s district, covering neighborhoods like Auburndale, Bayside, East Elmhurst, Elmhurst, Flushing, Forest Hills, Glendale, Kew Gardens, Maspeth, Middle Village, Murray Hill, and Rego Park. Interested businesses can complete an interest form or contact SBS at 888-SBS-4NYC for more information.
The initiative is administered by SBS and the New York City Department of Transportation. Since its unveiling by Rep. Meng and city officials in Jackson Heights this June, several local restaurants have already joined the program. Known as “Dining Out in District 6,” the initiative is part of “Dining Out NYC,” the city’s permanent outdoor dining program launched in March.
Rep. Meng said that as the daughter of former restaurant owners in Queens, she understands restaurants’ crucial role in the borough’s economy. “I am proud to have secured these funds to help restaurants succeed while providing the public with the experience of dining al fresco. I continue to encourage restaurants in my congressional district to take advantage of this free money that I brought back from the nation’s capital, and I’m excited to continue making additional eating and drinking establishments aware of it,” Meng said in a statement. Meng also thanked Gross for partnering with her and going door-to-door to inform restaurant owners about the Dining Out in District 6 program.
Gross echoed Meng’s statement, adding that the Dining Out in District 6 program will help restaurant owners expand their service options and grow their customer base.
“Thanks to Congresswoman Meng’s support, these businesses will create inviting and compliant outdoor dining spaces without the cost of materials and installation. This program underscores SBS’s commitment to empowering small businesses, enhancing our neighborhoods, and creating vibrant, welcoming spaces for New Yorkers and visitors alike,” Gross said in a statement. Gross added that the District 6 program is a model that could be replicated across the city.
Tom Grech, president and chief executive officer of the Queens Chamber of Commerce, joined Meng and Gross in visiting the restaurants. Grech called the program a “tremendous resource” for local businesses and encouraged eligible restaurants to apply to aid in expanding outdoor dining experiences in Queens.
“Queens’ restaurants are more than just top dining destinations—they create jobs, celebrate our diverse cultures, and offer spaces that unite our communities,” Grech said in a statement. “Thanks to Congresswoman Meng and this innovative partnership with SBS, our local eateries can enhance their outdoor dining offerings at no cost—keeping Queens vibrant, accessible, and competitive.
