In 2024, Kansas City created a $200,000 Outdoor Dining Enhancement Grant to allow restaurants and bars to build and maintain outdoor dining areas in preparation for the World Cup in 2026. Of the 120 applications, 20 bars and restaurants were selected to receive between $8,000 and $15,000 to build outdoor patios. The proposed patios must be submitted to and approved by the city’s Public Works department to ensure they met the proper permitting and safety compliance regulations. The grant was funded through the city’s tourism budget for 2024-2025. Recipients of the grant were Blip Roasters, The Brick, Browne’s Irish Marketplace, Buffalo State Pizza Co., Cafe Ollama, The Combine, Cupini’s, Double Tap KC, Grand Street Café, Grinders, Kobi Q, Lulu’s Thai Noodle Shop, Nick and Nino’s Pub, Novel Restaurant, Oddly Correct, Our House KC, PH Coffee, Tacos El Gallo, Urban, and Vye Cocktail Lounge. The city hopes to extend the program in the future so that it is available to bars and restaurants year-round.