NORFOLK, Va. – The City of Norfolk is helping local restaurants to continue serving customers outside amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.

The “Open Norfolk” initiative helps restaurant owners obtain permits for outdoor seating and has also used funding from Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security, or CARES Act, to purchase patio lighting - and now, electric heaters.

On Wednesday afternoon, restaurant owners who previously applied for assistance stopped by in the rain to pick up the heaters. Some restaurants were able to get several, all at no charge.

“It really helped us out because these were expenses that we didn’t have to worry about right now,” explained Nicole Jackson from Blended Kitchen Bar and Grill.

The co-owner of Four Eleven York Street restaurant said it’s a timely and much-appreciated gift.

“We do find that most nights, the majority of our diners are outside,” said Malia McGee. “Normally, we wouldn’t be seating on the patio at this time of year, so even the fact that we’re able to use this space, it really helps with our capacity and keeping all our employees busy.”

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The city does ask that if restaurant owners plan to set up a tent, that they first notify them.

More information on “Open Norfolk” can be found here.