SUBJECT/RECOMMENDATION:
Title
Approve a Downtown Commercial Grant to Tatlici Food, Inc. for The District Bistro located at 412 Cleveland Street, in an amount not to exceed $69,773.02
Body
SUMMARY:
Tatlici Food, Inc., owner of The District Bistro located at 412 Cleveland Street, has applied for a Downtown Commercial Grant for retroactive reimbursement of eligible improvements completed at the property.
The total project cost was $127,168.11, of which $107,343.11 is eligible for grant consideration under the Downtown Commercial Grant Program guidelines. The project qualifies as a Level 2 grant, which requires a 35% applicant match.
• Total Eligible Project Cost: $107,343.11
• Required 35% Match (Applicant Responsibility): $37,570.09
• Maximum Grant Award (65%): $69,773.02
The applicant has completed the improvements and is requesting reimbursement.
Tatlici Food, Inc. completed substantial renovations to The District Bistro, including:
• Mechanical & Infrastructure: HVAC repairs, wine cellar condenser repairs, hood and gas thermostat updates, and partial electrical rewiring.
• Interior Improvements: Bathroom renovations, painting, wallpapering, wood trim/railing installation, and lighting fixture upgrades.
• Security & Maintenance: Permanent security system updates and a comprehensive deep clean.
All work has been completed and verified as eligible under program guidelines.
12-MONTH LOOK-BACK REVIEW:
Per program requirements, staff conducted a 12-month review of prior grant payments issued to Tatlici Food, Inc.
Tatlici Food, Inc. previously owned Olive and Thyme located at 530 Cleveland Street and received the following grants:
• 1. Business Renovation Grant (BR-02-24): $13,710.00 approved; $2,840.00 paid for granite countertops. The remaining $10,870.00 for a sprinkler system was not utilized.
• 2. Downtown Commercial Grant (DTC-C-24-03): $58,021.87 approved; $38,196.80 paid for interior renovations, HVAC, and plumbing. Work was partially completed and reimbursed.
Both grants associated with Olive and Thyme have since expired. The business at 530 Cleveland Street has closed, and a new tenant, Gulfside Pizza, has assumed the remaining lease. The new tenant, does not have any responsibility or obligation to the grants that were issued to Tatlici Food, Inc.
Because Tatlici Food, Inc. received a payment of $38,196.80 within the required review period, Board approval is required for this new grant award.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
Funding for this grant is available within the Downtown Commercial Grant Program budget.
• Grant Amount: Not to exceed $69,773.02
• Applicant Match: $37,570.09
• Total Eligible Project Cost: $107,343.11
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval of a Downtown Commercial Grant to Tatlici Food, Inc. for The District Bistro located at 412 Cleveland Street, for retroactive reimbursement of eligible improvements, in an amount not to exceed $69,773.02.
APPROPRIATION CODE AND AMOUNT:
Funds for this grant are available in Economic Development-City 3887552-R2003
STRATEGIC PRIORITY:
2.1 Strengthen public-private initiatives that attract, develop, and retain diversified business sectors.
