The city of Missouri City approved a new initiative called the Patio Program, which aims to support local eateries in enhancing or constructing outdoor dining areas, according to a news release.

The details

The city will reimburse restaurant applicants up to 75% of the cost of authorized patio improvements with a maximum reimbursement of $50,000.

To be eligible for the Patio Program, restaurants must meet specific criteria. According to an Oct. 5 release, restaurants:

• Must be located within the jurisdiction of Missouri City
• Must use eligible construction materials for their patio improvements: steel, finished wood, wood tile, concrete pavers and salvaged building materials

Restaurant owners interested in participating in the program have nine months to complete their patio improvements. After completion, they must send a reimbursement request to the city, along with proof of the costs that qualify for reimbursement.

The program covers the construction or the enhancement of various patio elements, including:

• Railings and barricades
• Planters
• Walls with built-in seating
• Tents and canopies
• Electrical components
• Landscaping
• Heating and cooling devices

What they’re saying

“Outdoor seating enlivens the sidewalk ambiance in every city by uniting friends and family in a space that strengthens their bond and nourishes our community,” Economic Development Director Herman Rodriguez said in the release.