Restaurant Relief Testimonials

Ferndale

“During this pandemic, my family dug in and did what was necessary to keep our business afloat. We were so grateful to receive two greenhouses this January, which allowed for outdoor seating on our brand new patio along Woodward Ave.

While the greenhouses were going up, we had some visitors stop by and other restaurants looking to see what progress we made. The city made the inspection process easy, and the installers were great!  I would like to thank Oakland County, the Ferndale DDA, and the City of Ferndale for their guidance and support. What a great city!”

 - Tony’s Sports Bar

“As a brewery that operated with outdoor seating only this winter, the heaters that we received from Oakland County were a business-saver. The donated heaters allowed us to have a dedicated heater at every table and kept the patio full throughout the winter months. Thank you!”

 - Shalyn Getz, President, Eastern Market Brewing Company

Ortonville

"The Oakland Together CVT Grant Program arrived at a critical time for our local restaurants.  These outdoor structures and additional items have been used to enhance the downtown experience and as part of our 2021 recovery planning, will inject life into our downtown and create a safe dining option for local residents and visitors.”

 - Matt Jenkins, Executive Director, Ortonville DDA

Royal Oak

"On behalf of myself, my family and the entire Lily’s Seafood Crew as well as our valued guests, THANK YOU! The Oakland County Winterization Program was truly the difference between closing our doors and being given the chance to pivot and weather the storm we all find ourselves in.  Having the chance to offer outdoor dining options to our guests through the supplied propane patio heaters, the green house and igloos, meant that all 35 of our team members were able to stay employed.  The electrostatic sprayer added an extra tool to our arsenal in our commitment to keeping everyone safe.”

 - Robert Morton, Lily’s Seafood Grill & Brewery, Royal Oak

​Sylvan Lake

"The Restaurant Relief program allowed us to directly support our businesses that have been struggling because of the pandemic. We appreciate the partnership with Oakland County to help local small businesses.”

 - John Martin, City Manager, Sylvan Lake

​Southfield

 “The Restaurant Relief Grant has allowed us to acquire items critical to ensuring the safety of both customers and staff.  We’ve been able to obtain new point-of-sale technology for touchless credit card transactions, outdoor heaters to keep our customers comfortable while enjoying their meal on our patio, a sanitizing gun sprayer and take-out supplies, including paper products and to-go boxes.”

 - Randy Bahoorn, Fuddruckers

​Troy

 “We greatly appreciate Oakland County’s support of local restaurants, bars and cafes through the Restaurant Relief Program.  Our food and beverage establishments have experienced very difficult challenges during this past year. Assistance through this program has enabled these businesses to enhance outdoor dining options, make critical technology updates and provide for much needed PPE.  Approximately 20 Troy restaurants, bars and cafes are expected to participate in phase one and two of the program. These businesses provide employment for more than 500 people. I know that our restaurants, bars and cafes are very appreciative for the support.”

 - Glenn Lapin, Economic Development Specialist, City of Troy

Waterford

"The assistance we received from Oakland County has truly made us proud to be a small business in this amazing community. During a time of particular uncertainty for our industry, we felt supported. The outdoor greenhouses, heaters, sanitation materials, and reimbursement for additional expenses related to this pandemic made a significant difference. Oakland County made it possible for us to continue serving the public safely, making it possible for us to still be here today. Thank you!"

 - Boomer, Owner, Overtyme Grill & Taproom