La Quinta’s ‘Al Fresco’ program helps businesses expand outdoor operations

The City of La Quinta launches a new program called ‘Al fresco’ to help small business expand outdoor operations amid the pandemic. 

“We are super excited here at RD Rnner it was brought to our attention two weeks ago that there were funds available to support restaurants to expand and grow their outdoor dining area," said Chris Chmielak, owner of RD RNNER.

Chris Chmielak is eager to start construction on his outdoor patio area in Old Town La Quinta

“We have about 48 seats on our outdoor patio but due to COVID and social distancing we’re down to about 30," said Chmielak. "So this new addition and expansion will give us obviously more seats and more space for guests to dine outside” 

Chmielak showed us his vision. 

“Continue the pavers throughout and then have a nice wood pergola come down, we’ll have a low block wall with 24 inches of glass and we’ll have misters and heaters for the winter time," said Chmielak.

Chmielak told News Channel 3 it’ll take about four to six weeks to build.

 But it would add 900 square feet to his business. 

“I believe I project will end up anywhere from $25,000 to $35,000," said Chmielak.

The City of La Quinta once again helping small businesses stay open as they create the 'Al Fresco' program that allows businesses to expand their outdoor area 

“They can propose to have additional outdoor seating with patio on their sidewalk or even to repurpose parking stalls near the restaurant to use for outdoor dining," said Carlos Flores, senior planner for the City of La Quinta.

Carlos Flores said his team will go through all the proposals making sure they follow city guidelines. 

But once approved, businesses could apply for a $20,000 rebate. 

“They are keeping a log through the application of Al Fresco of all the items they are purchasing," said Flores. "Once they are presumingly approved in the program then they work with our city manager’s office on providing them receipts of the items they have purchased for outdoor dining to then qualify for reimbursement.” 

“During the challenging times with COVID, the city has provided us with some resources to expand our business maybe we wouldn’t have been able to do this if we weren’t in the situation we were in so we are extremely grateful," said Chmielak.

For application. Click Here.

For more information on 'La Quinta's Al Fresco' rebate program. Click Here.

Businesses with an updated business license in the City of La Quinta can email their application to communitydevelopmentwebmail@laquintaca.gov.