NYC to Cover Restaurant Payrolls in 'High Need' Communities

New York City restaurants have been struggling due to the COVID-19 pandemic.Though outdoor dining is slated to resume soon, the impact of the coronavirus is unlikely to disappear in the near future.So the city has announced a new multi-million dollar plan to help keep at least some of these establishments afloat.The program targets 27 neighborhoods across all five boroughs that are considered "high need communities.".And it will provide grants of up to $30,000 to cover at least six-weeks of payroll expenses at 100 restaurants.In communities of color, in immigrant communities, small businesses represent something additionally powerful: They represent culture and identity. They represent perseverance, Mayor Bill De Blasio.Though the program may sound good on paper, it has received pushback from the industry.The plan ask restaurants to commit to paying employees a $15 minimum wage before tips within five years.But with around 27,000 restaurants in NYC, it would seem likely that the program will find participants