Small Restaurant Assistance Program available

Local entrepreneurs can benefit from program

By JOHN RECH

news@theeveningtimes.com

Recruiting national chain restaurants to West Memphis often entails tax abatements or _nancial incentives that cover the cost of doing business with the city. While those kinds of programs have long been established for chains and franchised eateries, nothing really paralleled that type of assistance for mom-and-pop restaurants in the city, until now. The West Memphis Advertising and Promotions Commission (A& P) began rolling out its innovative Small Restaurant Assistance Program.

The A & P collects the socalled hamburger tax on prepared food in the city and has decided to turn back $50,000 to local restauranteurs. The idea is simple, but the framework for the assistance includes details to ensure recipients stood as legitimate enterprises in the city. The A& P recognized many of the new cafes and pancakes houses struggled through the pandemic and still _nd it dif_cult to net a pro_t.

Convention and Visitors Bureau Executive Director explained the genesis of the program.

“There are many small restaurants in our city that are standing on a banana peel,” said Jackson. “This is _nancial assistance for most any business-related expenses except payroll. The A& P Commision heard Mayor Marco McClendon’s suggestion a few months ago and acted. They saw this as a small version of incentives offered to attract and retain restaurant franchises in the city.”

Applications were made available through the city Convention and Visitor Bureau.

The A& P put up a total of $50,000 and hoped for ten quali_ed applicants with justi _ed needs of up to $5,000.

“The quali_cations are important, but not dif_cult,” said Jackson. “Businesses need to be legit. They can pay utilities, buy outdoor furniture or any operating expense except salary and wages.”

Applicants must be in good standing with the state and city governments with upto- date tax and sales tax payments, hold a city privilege license, any required state permits, and have made six consecutive monthly A& P tax payments.

“It’s a good project to come alongside mom-andpop restaurants in the city,” said Jackson.

Photo courtesy of Mitchell’s Breakfast Burritos

A half-dozen new local restaurants, like Mitchell’s Breakfast Burritos, opened in West Memphis during the pandemic. Other momand- pop eateries have continued to struggle for a profit over the last two years. The West Memphis A& P announced $5000 grants available for ten qualified eateries.