HONOLULU (KHON2) -- A pandemic-era initiative that some restaurants said saved their business is here to stay. The city is making its outdoor dining program permanent and easier to access for businesses that would like to take part. Kindergarten students receive donation of 24 bicycles Fête, a restaurant in Chinatown, added several tables to the sidewalk that fronts Hotel Street in 2022 after the outdoor dining program was launched. "We have maybe about seated extra of 50, 60 people a day, which means about 3 to 4 jobs extra full time for this restaurant," said Fête owner Chuck Bussler. "We always thought like, why is there not outdoor seating in Hawaii? Because we have good weather all the time. So now we're super, super excited and very grateful to city council, Mayor Blangiardi," said Bussler's wife, Robynne Maii. "The reality is that since the pandemic there will always be guests who would opt to eat outside only, like that's their preference. And so the fact that it's here to stay is so awesome." Get Hawaii's latest morning news delivered to your inbox, sign up for News 2 You A total of 15 restaurants have implemented sidewalk dining since 2022, such as Shore Fyre Grill in Waikiki. Mayor Rick Blangiardi has streamlined the process for others to do the same by singing the bill into law. "We want to be outside. So this just is more appealing to our guests," said Shore Fyre owner Allen Farnias. "Everybody wants to eat outside. I mean, how about you personally? just outside, watch the cars, watch the birds and stuff. So we feel it is more appealing, it does help our business. And I think it's better for the tourism industry." HDOT advises Hawaii travelers to be wary of wait time The program does not work for everyone, there has to be at least three feet of sidewalk space in between the outdoor table and the curb for restaurants to qualify, but it has been a big boost for those who have made the change. "Hundreds per night because you can imagine a tab, times six or seven turns, right? So that's including lunch and dinner," said Hawaii Restaurant Association Executive Director Sheryl Matsuoka. "Normally dinner, you can maybe get three turns, right?" "For us, this was a no-brainer. This is something we should be doing. We're a great city. We have great restaurants. We want to be able to showcase them in every way we can," Blangiardi said. Find more Hawaii, Oahu, Maui and Kauai news here A simplified portal is now available for other restaurants to apply, click here for more information. ...read more read less