Four Winthrop businesses are recipients of state Department of Commerce grants providing relief to hospitality sector businesses that were negatively affected by the COVID pandemic.
In all, Commerce distributed $79 million in relief to nearly 1,500 hospitality sector businesses in 37 counties. The funds were authorized by the state Legislature in 2022.
Methow Valley grants went to:
• Carlos 1800 Mexican Grill and Cantina, Winthrop, $58,110.
• Three Fingered Jack’s Saloon, Winthrop, $12,162.
• Mt. Gardner Inn, Winthrop, $6,273.
• Taco Bahia, Winthrop, $4,405.
Several other Okanogan County businesses also received relief funding.
While the COVID-19 pandemic produced dramatic impacts to businesses across many sectors, the hospitality industry was hit particularly hard with continued operational challenges making it difficult for many restaurants, hotels and small hospitality businesses to fully recover, according to a Commerce press release. Eligible businesses were encouraged to apply for grants.
“Many small businesses are family-owned, providing a key pathway to building generational wealth,” said Commerce Director Mike Fong. “Today, even as pressure from the direct financial impact of the pandemic is easing, small business owners are faced with ongoing obstacles as they adapt to new business models and uncertainties around workforce, supply chain disruptions, and other challenging economic conditions.”
To date, Commerce has distributed over $500 million in emergency relief grants to support the economic recovery stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the release.
