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DTR Businesses Funded by Round One of the Duke Energy Storefront Revitalization Grant

Downtown Voices

DTR Businesses Complete Duke Energy Storefront Revitalization Projects

63 Downtown Raleigh businesses received more than $288,000 in round one of the Duke Energy Storefront Revitalization Grant. The grant funds projects that help eligible businesses pivot due to the unprecedented challenges of 2020. 

A pivot may include adding enhanced services or commerce opportunities for the business to adjust to the effects of the current crisis, such as creating outdoor seating and serving opportunities, developing e-commerce websites, expanding products and services, and upgrading health and safety operations. See below for examples of projects businesses have undergone as part of the grant.

Outdoor Expansion

The first round of the Duke Energy Storefront Revitalization Grant helped to fund many outdoor expansion projects. Downtown Raleigh businesses have expanded to sidewalks, streets, and patios.

Patios

Take-Out Window

  • Beasley’s Chicken + Honey installed a take-out window. Patrons can order take-out meals, wine by the bottle, and beer to-go.
  • Carroll’s Kitchen has a newly installed take-out window and is ready to welcome you for lunch Monday – Friday. 

Parklets and Pedlets

A parklet provides potentially more space for outdoor dining allowing drinking and dining in an adjacent on-street parking space. A pedlet is when the pedestrian walkway (normally on the sidewalk) is rerouted from the sidewalk to an on-street parking space to allow for outdoor dining to fill the entire sidewalk area in front of the business.

Technology 

Website upgrades have been necessary to accommodate retail online shopping and online ordering for take-out and delivery. The Duke Energy Storefront Revitalization Grant funded many online upgrades.

Businesses with Updated Online Capabilities

Safety & Sanitation Improvements 

Downtown Raleigh businesses are going above and beyond to ensure the safety of their guests and staff. The Duke Energy Storefront Revitalization Grant funded sanitation stations and social distancing safety measures. 

  • Cirque de Vol added to its selection of equipment, mats, and silks so students no longer need to share equipment. They have also treated their equipment for easy sanitation.
  • Longleaf Lounge installed acrylic shields at the bar.
  • Foundation installed acrylic shields at the bar.
  • Adara Spa installed acrylic shields and sanitation stations.
  • Videri Chocolate Factory built a retail nook that allows safe shopping through acrylic shields.
  • Many businesses, like Edge of Urge and Unlikely Professionals, installed no-touch door pulls and stanchions for crowd control. 

Creative and Innovative Pivots

Downtown Raleigh businesses are dynamic and resilient. There is no shortage of creative problem-solving. The Duke Energy Storefront Revitalization Grant funded creative efforts for businesses to reach new and existing clientele.