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Grubhub and The Greg Hill Foundation’s Restaurant Strong Fund Launch National Grant for Small Business Restaurants

BOSTON, MA – Grubhub and The Greg Hill Foundation’s Restaurant Strong Fund are pleased to announce more than $1,000,000 in grant opportunities, made possible by the Grubhub Community Fund, to support growth in small business restaurants nationally. The launch marks the fourth year of partnership between Grubhub and The Greg Hill Foundation’s Restaurant Strong Fund. 

On February 20, 2024, The Restaurant Strong Fund will begin accepting applications for the program’s next grant cycle. The Restaurant Strong Fund will focus on providing grants that impact revenue growth and areas including, but not limited to: updating technology/equipment necessary to enhance day-to-day operations, marketing & public relations services, staff training programs, incentivized wages, or maintenance/updating of current infrastructure. 

Restaurants can apply for this grant by providing specific plans outlining how the funding will be utilized and expectations of growth. Grants ranging from $5,000 to $15,000 will be awarded based on need and growth opportunity showcased in the application. Grants will be limited to single-location restaurants that meet the following criteria:

  • Must be open and operating in the United States (contiguous) 
  • Completed application form 
  • Provide a detailed explanation for the need of a grant and how it would be utilized if awarded 
  • Provide evidence of need 

Applications will be open from Tuesday, February 20, 2024 through Friday, March 15, 2024. A portion of grant funds will be dedicated to new restaurants, those established in 2021 onwards, to aid in their introduction to the restaurant industry. Grants will be awarded to selected restaurants in April.

About Grubhub 

Grubhub is part of Just Eat Takeaway.com (LSE: JET, AMS: TKWY), a leading global online food delivery marketplace. Dedicated to connecting more than 32 million diners with the food they love from their favorite local restaurants, Grubhub elevates food ordering through innovative restaurant technology, easy-to-use platforms and an improved delivery experience. Grubhub features more than 355,000 restaurant partners in over 4,000 U.S. cities.

About The Greg Hill Foundation’s Restaurant Strong Fund 

The Greg Hill Foundation responds to the immediate needs of families that have been touched by tragedy. Since its inception in 2010, the foundation has provided over $28 million in grants to families and individuals in need. The Greg Hill Foundation’s Restaurant Strong Fund was established in March of 2020. The fund was created to help aid the Hospitality Industry as restaurants closed and employees were left out of work due to Covid-19. The Restaurant Strong Fund provides various grant opportunities available to Restaurant Employees and Restaurant Owners. 

My Place Hotels Enhances Guest Experience Through Partnership with Grubhub

ABERDEEN, S.D., Feb. 7, 2024 /PRNewswire/ —My Place Hotels of America is partnering with Grubhub, a leading online and mobile food ordering and delivery platform, to upgrade guests’ dining experience at its hotels. Guests of My Place Hotels can order from Grubhub’s network, which includes more than 365,000 restaurants and convenience stores, for delivery directly to the hotel, with $0 delivery fees on eligible orders. The partnership is available at all participating My Place Hotels across the U.S.

Through the partnership, My Place guests can order on Grubhub via geolocation and QR codes around each property, directing them to the Grubhub Marketplace. The hotel location and courier drop-off instructions automatically populate at checkout for maximum ease of use. Guests who affiliate with their hotel will receive one free month of Grubhub+, Grubhub’s loyalty program that provides customers access to unlimited $0 delivery on orders of $12+. This benefit is aimed at further elevating the guest experience. 

“One of the highlights of travel is savoring the local cuisine and exploring new flavors, and now My Place guests will have the chance to enjoy those options from the comfort of their hotel room without having to pay delivery fees,” said Matt Campbell, COO of My Place Hotels of America. “As the hospitality industry continues to find ways to add customer-focused services and stay on top of what’s most important, convenience is key.”

“When you’re on the road away from home, the last thing you want to deal with is finding great restaurant options in a new place,” said Rob DelaCruz, vice president and general manager of Onsite Hospitality at Grubhub. “With this integration, we’re making it easier than ever for hotel guests to get a meal, snacks or convenience items delivered right to their hotel.”

Consistent with this emphasis on convenience, My Place has always been ahead of the curve, featuring rooms with fully equipped kitchens. This longstanding amenity caters to the needs of guests, offering them the ease of storing and reheating leftovers, and thus enriching their stay.

About My Place Hotels of America, LLC

My Place Hotels of America, LLC (“My Place Hotels”) is a hotel franchisor focusing on franchising clean and comfortable hotels with modern rooms, amenities, and excellent customer service, all at an affordable price. The company is based in Aberdeen, SD, and offers two hotel brand options to potential and current franchisees. There are 70 My Place Hotels open across 29 states with over 120 hotels in the pipeline. For more information on franchising with My Place or to book your next stay, please visit myplacehotels.com/franchising or contact Terry Kline at (605) 725-5685.

Grubhub Selects 64 Food-Focused Chicago Nonprofits in Inaugural Full Plate Microgrant Program

The Grubhub Community Fund is bringing holiday cheer to Chicago nonprofits who are feeding the community by announcing nearly $650,000 in grants.

This holiday season, Grubhub has selected 64 nonprofit organizations in our hometown that provide food and meal services to receive microgrants of up to $10,000 through our new Full Plate Program. In total, Grubhub has recommended nearly $650,000 in grants through the Grubhub Community Fund to nonprofit organizations across Cooke, DuPage, and Lake counties that are providing access to nutritious groceries and meals to those experiencing food insecurity in Grubhub’s hometown.

“The Full Plate Program is Grubhub’s first open grant program and made possible by the Grubhub Community Fund. This grant funding comes at a critical time for the 64 Chicagoland nonprofits in various communities supporting our hometown neighbors by ensuring they have access to food and essential needs,” said Brianna Morris, Grubhub’s Senior Manager of Community Impact. “We are grateful to all of our grant recipients who are working day-in and day-out to close the hunger gap across the city of Chicago, and we look forward to providing future opportunities to organizations creating meaningful change in our local communities.” 

The grant recipients will use the funding for everything from purchasing groceries and meals for community members to investing in equipment and resources needed to distribute food and keep programming up and running. This will help feed our hometown neighbors in more than 75 neighborhoods across the Chicago area, including Austin, Back of Yards, Englewood, Garfield Park, North Lawndale, Pilsen, Uptown, Sauk Village, Waukegan, and West Chicago. 

Hear from a few of our 2023 Full Plate Program grantees: 

“Good Food Catalyst is thrilled to receive funding from the Full Plate Program to help distribute free meals on the South and West Sides of Chicago,” said Jeannine Wise, Director of Good Food is Good Medicine. “Our meals utilize local produce grown by BIPOC urban farmers and incorporate expert nutrition and flavor guidance from chefs, doctors, and registered dietitians.With the Full Plate grant, we will be able to purchase nutritious meal ingredients that will help us reach our goal of producing 20,000 meals for community members in 2024, in addition to covering some of the program’s staffing costs.” 

“The microgrant Just Roots received from the Grubhub Community Fund’s Full Plate Program will help us feed countless community members on Chicago’s South Side, specifically in Bronzeville, Chinatown, Englewood, South Shore, South Loop, Kenwood, and Bridgeport,” said Sean Ruane, Director of Operations & Development with Just Roots. “Through our program, we operate sustainable urban farms that produce fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs that are provided directly to local community members. In this coming year, we aim to provide 12,500 pounds of fresh, organic, culturally affirming food from our farms to South Side food pantries, mutual aid organizations, and senior and public housing facilities.”

“The Glen Ellyn Food Pantry is extremely grateful to receive funding from the Grubhub Community Fund’s Full Plate Program as it will help support our “Extraordinary Dairy Program,” said Laura Glaza, Executive Director of The Glen Ellyn Food Pantry. “Our community has growing needs for food and can especially benefit from dairy products, like milk and eggs, which are an extraordinary source of nutrients that contribute to a healthy diet – but have become increasingly expensive. Thanks to Grubhub’s program, we will be able to purchase a six-month supply of dairy products for our neighbors.”

The Full Plate Program is made possible through the Grubhub Community Fund*, and is administered in partnership with Greater Chicago Food Depository and Nourishing Hope. Grubhub, Greater Chicago Food Depository and Nourishing Hope partnered together to review and evaluate the applications based on need, impact, and demonstration of fiscal responsibility.

“The Greater Chicago Food Depository is proud to support the Grubhub Community Fund’s Full Plate Program,” said Deborah Clair, the Greater Chicago Food Depository’s Director of Corporate Relations. ”As a nonprofit committed to connecting our neighbors with healthy food and advancing solutions that address the root causes of hunger, we understand how meaningful the programs offered by the grant recipients are for local community members. In the coming year, we are excited to see the number of meals provided and the number of our neighbors whose lives will be impacted through the Full Plate Program.”

“Thanks to the Grubhub Community Fund, the Full Plate Program will help the grantees feed countless Chicagoans experiencing hunger,” said Kellie O’Connell, CEO of Nourishing Hope. “We’re proud to have partnered with Grubhub on this exciting new initiative.” 

As part of our effort to help close the hunger gap and to give back to our hometown, Grubhub is committed to supporting local, community-centered programs that provide access to nutritious foods and beverages to individuals and families in need. Thank you to Greater Chicago Food Depository, Nourishing Hope, and all of our selected Full Plate grantees for helping feed our neighbors!

2023 Selected Full Plate Grantees:

  • Above & Beyond Food Pantry
  • Allen Metropolitan CME Church
  • American Association of Single Parents, Inc.
  • Barbara W. Smith Family Life Center
  • Bryn Mawr Community Foundation
  • Care for Friends
  • Catholic Bishop of Chicago dba St. Thomas of Canterbury
  • Chatham-Avalon Ministries Food Pantry
  • Chicago Dream Center
  • Chosen Tabernacle Full Gospel Baptist Church
  • Christian Life Center AOG Church
  • Common Pantry
  • Community Feast at United Church of Rogers Park
  • Coppin Community Center
  • Cultivate Collective
  • Edward G. Irvin Foundation
  • Elmhurst Yorkfield Food Pantry
  • Evangelism Outreach Ministries
  • Evanston Vineyard Church
  • Faith Feeds Food Pantry
  • Figueroa Wu Family Foundation
  • First Baptist Church of Melrose Park Food Pantry
  • First Presbyterian Church of Chicago
  • Food Access Project 
  • Food Pantry of Messiah-St Bartholomew Episcopal Church
  • For Your Consciousness Ministry
  • GAP Community Center
  • Glen Ellyn Food Pantry
  • Good Food Catalyst
  • Grace Housing Complex
  • Grace United Church of Christ
  • Grant A Wish Inc
  • Harmony Community Cares NFP
  • Harris Temple A.O.H. Church Food Pantry
  • Irving Park Community Food Pantry
  • Just Roots
  • Martin Temple Community Foundation
  • Mihut Romanian Charitable Mission
  • Neighborhood Food Pantries
  • New Christian Joy Full Church Food Pantry
  • New Eclipse Community Alliance
  • New Hope House Community Food Pantry
  • Operation Blessing of SW Chicagoland
  • Our Daily Bread Food Pantry
  • Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish
  • Our Shining Stars Foundation
  • Parkway Garden Christian Church Food Pantry
  • Seeds Center of Maple Park United Methodist Church
  • Sheldon Heights Food Pantry
  • Shepherd’s Hope LTD
  • Sisters Working It Out
  • Society of Arab American Neighborhood Development
  • St. Moses the Black Food Pantry
  • St. Paul and the Redeemer Episcopal Church
  • The Addison Township Foundation Food Pantry
  • The Outreach House
  • The Salvation Army Corps and Community Des Plaines
  • The Salvation Army Norridge Citadel
  • The Southwest Collective
  • Trinity Charities
  • Trinity Resurrection United Church
  • Valley Kingdom Community Development Corporation
  • Wayne Township Pantry
  • Windsor Park Evangelical Lutheran Church

*The Grubhub Community Fund is a donor advised fund at a national sponsoring organization. The Grubhub Community Fund is made possible through donations from our customers through our Donate the Change feature. Grubhub matches contributions on eligible orders from our Grubhub+ members.

Grubhub’s 2023 Delivered Trend Report Reveals Ordering Was All About ‘Doing it for the Vibes’ as Diners Found Joy in the Unconventional

From 10 million coffee beverages ordered after 5pm, to over 53 million items ordered with added spice, the year was marked by bold choices and breaking the norms

CHICAGO, DECEMBER 12, 2023 – Today, Grubhub launches its annual retrospective, the 2023 Delivered report, which analyzes millions of orders from diners across the U.S. to uncover the biggest food and beverage trends of the year. 

While last year’s biggest trend was diners seeking comfort wrapped in a warm burrito, in 2023 ‘doing it for the vibes’ was a way of life as diners found joy in stepping out of their comfort zones and breaking conventions, such as embracing pineapple on pizza and ordering salads with a side of fries.

Let’s Unwrap the Top Vibes that Brought Joy to Diners in 2023

IT’S GIVING FIRE: SCOVILLE SCALES WENT OFF THE CHARTS
In 2023, over 53 MILLION items were ordered with added spice. Classic favorites like Sriracha were added over 91,000 times, and buffalo chicken wings came in first as the most ordered wing flavor followed by lemon pepper, BBQ, Teriyaki and Garlic Parmesan. 

Top 5 Spicy Dishes Ordered in 2023

  • Spicy potato soft tacos 
  • Spicy chicken sandwich
  • Spicy tuna roll
  • Hot and sour soup
  • Drunken noodles

To celebrate buffalo chicken wings claiming the title as the most popular wing order of the year, Buffalo Wild Wings and Buffalo Wild Wings Go are offering 50% OFF one wing menu item, up to $10 off ($30 minimum order). This exclusive offer is valid for today only (12/12). No promo code is needed as the offer will automatically be applied at check-out on eligible Buffalo Wild Wings orders in the Grubhub app, one redemption per diner. Terms of use available here.

Fun chicken wing fact: Flats remain on top, being ordered 10 times more than drums.

IT’S GIVING FIZZ: WORK BREAKS HIT DIFFERENT WITH A DIET SODA
The #dietcokebreak trended with over 43 million views on TikTok, and people rushed to Grubhub to get their fix with in-office orders of Diet Coke increasing by 17% in 2023.

Top 5 Sodas Ordered in 2023:

  • Diet Coke
  • Coke
  • Sprite
  • Dr. Pepper
  • Ginger Ale

IT’S GIVING MIDNIGHT OIL: CAFFEINE CRAVINGS WENT AFTER HOURS
People were winding up, not winding down this year with over 10 MILLION coffee beverages ordered after 5 p.m. 

Top 5 Coffee Beverages Ordered in 2023:

  • Iced Coffee
  • Caramel Frappe
  • Mocha Frappe
  • Cappuccino
  • Hot Coffee

IT’S GIVING MOO: REAL MILK CAME BACK WITH REAL DRIP
This year, cows had a comeback as dairy in coffee beverages had a 20% increase and whole milk took the lead among the top 3 dairy orders followed by 2% milk, and chocolate milk.

IT’S GIVING CARBS: FRENCH FRIES BROUGHT BALANCE TO SALADS
Over 600,000 customers ordered their salad paired with french fries in 2023. While prior years were all about wellness, in 2023 we didn’t just settle for salads alone, but embraced our favorite part of the meal: the french fry – making it the top ordered side dish of 2023. 

Top 5 French Fry Styles Ordered in 2023: 

  • Classic cut
  • Waffle fries 
  • Cheese fries
  • Sweet potato fries
  • Curly fries

IT’S GIVING ALOHA: PINEAPPLE ON PIZZA GOES MAINSTREAM
In the spirit of ‘doing it for the vibes’, people didn’t hold back especially when it came to their pizza. In 2023, Hawaiian Pizza lovers ordered pineapple with pride. This topping on pizza rose 33% since last year – yum?

Top 5 Pizza Orders in 2023:

  • Cheese Pizza
  • Margherita Pizza
  • Pepperoni Pizza
  • Buffalo Chicken Pizza
  • Hawaiian Pizza

IT’S GIVING TANGY: FROM FOOD TO FASHION, PICKLES WERE ON EVERYTHING
Pickles had the largest increase since last year with an 89% increase, totaling over 6.9 MILLION pickles ordered in 2023. People embraced their love of pickles – from food to fashion (if you own the viral pickle sweatshirt, we see you) – and put the salty, briny indulgences on everything.

Ready to get some joy delivered?
Amazon Prime members can get a year of Grubhub+ for free (valued at $120/year). Enjoy unlimited $0 delivery fees on eligible orders and access to other exclusive offers year-round. Use code DECEMBER30 for 30% off three Grubhub delivery orders of $15+ (up to $15 off) now through 12/23 when you sign up for Grubhub+ through Amazon Prime. It’s the gift that keeps giving! Learn more, here.

Curious about your own 2023 Delivered report? Today, Grubhub is also sending diners their customized recap report that unwraps their individual ordering journey throughout the year.

Follow @Grubhub on X, Instagram, and TikTok. 

For more information on Grubhub, visit https://about.grubhub.com/. 

About Grubhub
Grubhub is part of Just Eat Takeaway.com (LSE: JET, AMS: TKWY), and is a leading U.S. food ordering and delivery marketplace. Dedicated to connecting diners with the food they love from their favorite local restaurants, Grubhub elevates food ordering through innovative restaurant technology, easy-to-use platforms, and an improved delivery experience. Grubhub features more than 365,000 restaurant partners in over 4,000 U.S. cities. 

‘Tis the Season for Holiday Parties, but Corporate Clients are Concerned About Participation

It’s that time of the year when companies start planning their holiday celebrations. While festivities took a hiatus during COVID, we’ve seen things return to normal over the last two years, specifically when it comes to the annual holiday party (they’re back!). To get a sense of how companies plan to celebrate this year, we surveyed our corporate clients to learn what’s top of mind for them when it comes to planning a celebration, and to our surprise, it wasn’t the location, theme or entertainment that topped the chart; it’s whether employees will join in the celebrations. As companies continue to identify avenues to foster collaboration and a fun culture, it looks like engagement is an area that will continue to be a priority.

Nearly 40% of clients have expressed concern about employees’ lack of enthusiasm and participation. The fact that almost 70% of clients have returned to the office, whether through a hybrid model or full-time, prompts the question of whether this signals employee burnout and a declining interest in company events during their free time. And according to research, there’s been a decline in employee engagement over the years, with just 32% of U.S. employees reporting they are engaged with their organization, and 18% reporting that they are actively disengaged.  With 50% of employees feeling neither actively engaged or disengaged, companies have a massive opportunity to positively influence and improve how those individuals engage with the company instead of leaving them at risk of slipping to disengaged or remaining neutral. 

As companies continue to identify avenues to foster collaboration and culture, finding ways to build more engagement is no doubt a clear priority. For a deeper look at how companies are approaching celebrations this year, including where they plan to celebrate, how they are budgeting, and more, check out the blog from Jeff Mirmelstein, vice president and general manager of Grubhub Corporate Accounts. 

*Data points are based on an internal survey of Grubhub Corporate clients (2023)

Fill Up Your Belly and Your Tank: The Fuel Rewards® Program Introduces Exclusive Offer for Grubhub and Grubhub+ Members

Grubhub+ members can earn complimentary Gold status in the Fuel Rewards® program at Shell

ATLANTA and CHICAGO, Dec. 5, 2023 /PRNewswire/ —PDI, the convenience retail technology company powering the Fuel Rewards® program, and Grubhub, a leading online and mobile food ordering and delivery platform, announced today a new offer for Grubhub customers. Anyone who uses Grubhub can link their Fuel Rewards® account to their Grubhub account and save 5 cents per gallon on their next fill-up at participating Shell locations for every $50 spent on Grubhub. 

Additionally, members of Grubhub+, Grubhub’s loyalty subscription program that gives members access to unlimited $0 delivery fees on eligible restaurant and convenience orders over $12, are able to earn complimentary Gold Status in the Fuel Rewards® program for 5 cents per gallon in everyday savings. Grubhub+ members can stack both offers, with a total Fuel Rewards®savings of up to 10 cents per gallon.

“For more than 10 years, we’ve welcomed new Fuel Rewards® members and added relevant value for existing members with new ways to save on both gas and with other leading brands,” said Brandon Logsdon, president of consumer engagement at PDI. “It’s fantastic to extend the opportunity to Grubhub customers as they connect their favorite loyalty accounts to stack and save.”

“We’re always looking for ways to add more value for our diners. After relaunching our loyalty subscription program this past summer, we’re excited to introduce this exclusive offer that supports their travels,” said Marty Thompson, Director of Growth Strategy and Operations at Grubhub. “Now, customers can stay fed and fueled with Grubhub, and our Grubhub+ members can stack both savings for a rich offer that delivers even greater value.”

To access the offer, Grubhub customers can link their Fuel Rewards® account to their Grubhub account—or sign up for the Fuel Rewards® program if they are not already a member. Fuel savings are limited to 20 gallons of fuel per purchase, per vehicle, and can be redeemed at one of more than 12,000 participating Shell stations across the U.S. by entering the member’s Fuel Rewards® Card, Alt ID, or linked payment card before filling up.

In addition to the current offer making its debut in time for the busy end-of-year holiday season, there will be exclusive limited-time offers for Grubhub customers to maximize Fuel Rewards® savings in the future. Stay up to date on the latest with Grubhub+ here. 

Other fees may apply on Grubhub+ orders. Applicable terms to the Fuel Rewards® offers can be found here.

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About the Fuel Rewards® program 

The Fuel Rewards® program is the premier national loyalty program that connects national and regional brands with millions of consumers who enjoy earning cents-per-gallon savings at the pump. PDI Technologies is the convenience retail technology company powering the Fuel Rewards® program that serves more than 25 million members and has helped them save over $2 billion on their fuel purchases to-date. As a national coalition loyalty program, Fuel Rewards® members earn rewards on everyday purchases from a variety of retailers and can redeem cents-per-gallon rewards at participating Shell locations across the United States. To learn more about the Fuel Rewards® program visit fuelrewards.com.  

About PDI Technologies

With 40 years of industry leadership, PDI Technologies, Inc. resides at the intersection of productivity and sales growth, delivering powerful solutions that serve as the backbone of the convenience retail and petroleum wholesale ecosystem. By “Connecting Convenience” across the globe, we empower businesses to increase productivity, make informed decisions, and engage faster with their customers. From large-scale ERP and logistics operations to loyalty programs and cybersecurity, we’re simplifying the industry supply chain for whatever comes next. Today, we serve over 200,000 locations worldwide with solutions like the Fuel Rewards® program and GasBuddy®, two popular brands representing more than 30 million users. Visit the PDI Technologies website.  

About Grubhub

Grubhub is part of Just Eat Takeaway.com (LSE: JET, AMS: TKWY), and is a leading U.S. food ordering and delivery marketplace. Dedicated to connecting diners with the food they love from their favorite local restaurants, Grubhub elevates food ordering through innovative restaurant technology, easy-to-use platforms, and an improved delivery experience. Grubhub features more than 365,000 restaurant partners in over 4,000 U.S. cities.

 

Startup Catering Service Nude Dude Food Wins a Free Year in a Grubhub Private Kitchen at The Hatchery Chicago®

Grubhub surprised all three private kitchen pitch competition runner-ups with FREE private kitchens at The Hatchery for 6 months each.

Grubhub CEO Howard Migdal and The Hatchery/ICNC Chief Strategy & Incubation Officer Natalie Shmulik with Grubhub x The Hatchery’s private kitchen winners © 2023 Galdones Photography

After an evening that saw four Chicago-based food and beverage entrepreneurs present business plans on how they will grow their restaurant concept and share samples of their food at Grubhub x The Hatchery Chicago’s private kitchen pitch competition, Seth Bradley and Ryan Van Voorhis of Nude Dude Food were named the grand prize winners. The competition took place at The Hatchery, a nonprofit incubator dedicated to fostering successful food and beverage businesses on the West Side of Chicago, during it’s annual fundraiser on Friday, Dec. 1.  

Alongside Bradley and Van Voorhis, Anwar Jebran of Honeydoe Authentic Mediterranean, Earl Moore of Uncle Earl’s BBQ, and Valerie Vedral of The Vulgar Vegan also pitched their business concepts at the competition. Three of our four restaurants currently work out of The Hatchery’s shared kitchen. All  finalists brought unique dishes to the table – the catch was samples had to be presented in delivery-friendly packaging to ensure it would be just as tasty at a Grubhub diner’s house as it would at the restaurant. 

To evaluate our finalists, our expert judging panel was made up of Grubhub’s CEO Howard Migdal, two local chefs and business owners Taylor Mason of Taylor’s Tacos and Krissy Ashley of Cleo’s Southern Cuisine, and Chicago-based food influencer Jeremy Joyce of Black People Eats. Our judges took many factors into consideration when selecting our grand prize winner – everything from how they will leverage delivery as a solution and an opportunity to grow their business to the taste and display of their food. 

The judging panel at Grubhub x The Hatchery’s private kitchen pitch competition © 2023 Galdones Photography

The highlight of the first place prize is one year free access to the Grubhub private kitchen at The Hatchery Chicago. While all finalists were meant to go home with a prize of some kind, Migdal shared a surprise when announcing the winners. Because the remaining three finalists’ presentations and food were equally impressive, they all received what was initially meant to be the second place prize – rent-free access to a private Grubhub Kitchen at The Hatchery for six months. 

“This event celebrated the start of Grubhub’s partnership with The Hatchery Chicago, and our shared mission to help local restaurants build and grow successful businesses means we have a lot of exciting work ahead of us too,” said Dave Tovar, Senior Vice President of Communications & Government Relations at Grubhub. “We know how challenging it can be to get started in the restaurant and hospitality business, and are excited to have the opportunity to support our hometown entrepreneurs by providing all four finalists free private kitchen space at The Hatchery.”

All four of the pitch competition finalists will move into their private kitchens at The Hatchery in early 2024. In addition to the private kitchen space, the finalists will receive wraparound support from The Hatchery and Grubhub, including access to schedule a professional food photoshoot, business review check-ins with the Grubhub team, and more. 

While the pitch competition was a big success, Grubhub’s partnership with The Hatchery is just getting started. In addition to providing all finalists rent-free kitchen space, Grubhub is also developing new educational materials to guide entrepreneurs interested in using third-party delivery to grow their businesses, providing philanthropic support through the Grubhub Community Fund to The Hatchery’s Sprouts Incubation program, and working with The Hatchery to improve the onsite delivery pathways so more entrepreneurs operating out of the facility can leverage Grubhub to expand their business. 

Shmulik and Migdal participating in a fireside chat before Grubhub x The Hatchery’s private kitchen pitch competition © 2023 Galdones Photography

“We are beyond excited to work closely with Grubhub to create more streamlined pathways to success for startup food and beverage entrepreneurs in Chicago,” said Natalie Shmulik, Chief Strategy & Incubation Officer, ICNC/The Hatchery Chicago. “The four private kitchens Grubhub awarded our finalists will be instrumental in helping local brands build viable and sustainable businesses. Congratulations to all of the entrepreneurs!”

As we move into 2024, Grubhub looks forward to seeing this exciting partnership with The Hatchery grow while also finding new ways to support independent restaurant owners and help create new opportunities within the hospitality industry in our hometown. 

The National ACE and Grubhub Award Grants to 82 Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander-Owned Small Businesses

LAS VEGAS, NV and WASHINGTON, DC, October 2023 – Grubhub and the National Asian/Pacific Islander American Chamber of Commerce and Entrepreneurship (National ACE) announced that 79 Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI)-owned restaurants were awarded grants of $5,000 – $15,000, made possible with a grant from the Grubhub Community Fund. In addition, three finalists were awarded $50,000 grants each live on-stage at the #AAPISTRONG Annual Conference in Las Vegas on October 13, 2023.

With the industry facing ongoing economic challenges, this funding will allow AANHPI restaurateurs to take their business to the next level through development ideas such as infrastructure improvements, e-commerce and technology, employee benefits, and operations streamlining. Ultimately, this will help AANHPI entrepreneurs to scale their businesses, secure their futures, and also give back to the life of their neighborhoods by fostering safe and enjoyable places to gather.

Shauna & Cornelius Tuilaepa, the owners of No Ke Aloha in Aurora Colorado, shared, “These funds will grant us the amazing opportunity to continue to ensure that our community is represented through the presence of food and culture in Colorado. In expanding our business, we can harness a broader reach to all Pacific Islanders and offer a larger variety of favorites while also growing our workforce and providing jobs to more folks in our community. Mahalo nui loa National ACE, Grubhub, and AAPI Strong for your integral support of the AAPI community!!!”

David Maugaotega, owner of Iced in Chicago, Illinois, shared, “I am so grateful to National ACE for the opportunity and recognizing small business entrepreneurship in the AAPI community. With this grant, I have been given the tools to settle some of the financial debt from my equipment purchases and startup costs of my self-made bakery. This relief will allow me to focus on the bigger picture instead of the day-to-day by investing more in other areas, such as marketing, new equipment, and staffing.”

Rhea Patel Michel, owner of Saucy Chick Rotisserie in Temple City, California, shared, “We are so humbled and grateful for this gift. We are in the midst of opening our very own brick and mortar and were finding ourselves uncomfortably strapped for all the critical opening costs needed: signage, core equipment etc. Additionally, due to delays outside of our control, we are extending our time in which we can start generating revenue. Overhead costs like rent are still due. This is such a needed gift and we can’t thank the organization enough.”

Yanna Guan, owner of Na Na’s Kitchen in Brisbane, California, shared, “Receiving these funds from National ACE would be a game-changer for Na Na’s Kitchen. They will empower us to elevate our culinary offerings, strengthen our community engagement, and lay the foundation for strategic expansion. This support not only secures our business’s future but also enhances our ability to enrich the lives of our patrons and the community at large.”

“Our AAPI-owned restaurants proved their resilience and now are looking to the future,” said Chiling Tong, President and CEO of National ACE. “Grubhub’s ongoing commitment to AAPI-owned restaurants is demonstrated by the continuation of this amazing grant opportunity. The grant support from the Grubhub Community Fund will provide AAPI restaurant owners the opportunity to expand their businesses and reach new peaks.”

“National ACE has been an incredible partner to Grubhub on the AAPIStrong restaurant grant program and working with us on shared business and policy priorities,” said Dave Tovar, Senior Vice President of Communications & Government Relations at Grubhub. “Over the years, this program has supported more than 350 AAPI-owned restaurants across the country to both sustain and expand their businesses. Restaurants play a vital role in their communities, and Grubhub is committed to helping them have a positive impact on the people and communities they serve.”

Full List of Winners:

2d restaurant – Chicago, IL

Adobo – Decatur, GA

Aloha Island Market – Mesa, AZ

Aroy Thai – Chicago, IL

banhkhotlady – Westminster, CA

Bela Vegetarian Restaurant – Northampton, MA

BIG SAI’S HAWAIIAN BARBEQUE LLC – Layton, UT

Bobaloompia – Tyler, TX

Canton Village – Gardiner, ME

Chiu Wu – Midwest City, OK

Cloud and Spirits – Cambridge, MA

Cotra – Brooklyn, NY

Dae Jang Geum – Ellicott City, MD

Dumpling Haus – Houston, TX

East Wok – Orlando, FL

Epic Poke – Austin, TX

Falansai – Brooklyn, NY

Fork & Spoon – Portland, OR

Garden’s Gourmet – Tacoma, WA

Golden Dragon (龙记) – Columbia, SC

Habibi Grill – Salt Lake City, UT

Hao Chi – Baltimore, MD

Hop Bo Chinese – Melbourne, FL

Hot Spots – Denton, TX

Hue Vietnamese Restaurant \ Hue Asian Kitchen – Milwaukee, WI

Iced – Chicago, IL

Island Fiyah Grill – Honolulu, HI

Joyu Tea & Coffee – Virginia Beach, VA

Kabob Stop – Salt Lake City, UT

Kabobi By the Helmand – Herndon, VA

Kai Pops Island Style Popsicles – Spanish Fork , UT

Kandahar Grill – Hicksville, NY

Kin Khao Thai and Sushi – Valparaiso, IN

Korai Kitchen – Jersey City, NJ

KOY – Boston, MA

Krakatoa Indonesian Cuisine – Hollywood, FL

Krapow – Culver City, CA

LAN Hand-pulled Noodles – Seattle, WA

Le Gourmet – Iowa City, IA

Le’s Kitchen – Waco, TX

London Grill & Tavern – Mcallen, TX

Magna Kusina – Portland, OR

Mai’s Deli – Appleton, WI

Milk + Honey – Saline, MI

Muang Thai – Eau Claire, WI

Na Na’s Kitchen – Brisbane, CA

Namaste Cafe – Minneapolis, MN

No Ke Aloha – Aurora, CO

Nomad – Hillsborough, NC

Okonomi Asian Grill – Fairfax, VA

Ono Sushi – Las Vegas, NV

Parachute – Chicago, IL

Parklife – Brooklyn, NY

PB Poke House – San Diego, CA

Pho Saigon 75 – Fairfax, VA

Phuket Thai Restaurant – Redondo Beach, CA

Pink Flamingo To Go – Detroit, MI

Platform Z – Bala Cynwyd, PA

Quick Sub Mini Mart – Trenton, NJ

Ranken Noodle House – Gaithersburg, MD

Roebling Pizza – Brooklyn, NY

Saucy Chick Rotisserie – Los Angeles, CA

Shinsen – New York, NY

Simply Khmer – Lowell, MA

Socola Chocolatier – San Francisco, CA

Steep LA – Los Angeles, CA

Suasday Sandwich Co – Boston, MA

Subo Filipino Kitchen – Chicago, IL

Sunhee’s Farm and Kitchen – Troy, NY

Tang and Java – Woodland Hills, CA

Taste of Pearl LLC – Hillsboro, OR

The Shores Kitchen – Santa Monica, CA

TOKEMOANA’S – San Mateo, CA

Urban Roast – Washington, D.C.

Urbanh Cafe – Chandler, AZ

VietFive Coffee – Chicago, IL

Vui Ve – Los Angeles, CA

What the Fried Rice – Northwood, OH

Wok Star Catering – Encino, CA

Wooly Pig – San Francisco, CA

Yoma Burmese Cuisine  – Allston, MA

YuThaiPa Thai Takeaway – Yucaipa, CA

The Grubhub Community Fund and Greg Hill Foundation’s Restaurant Strong Fund Provide $750,000 in Grants to Restaurants Nationwide

The Greg Hill Foundation’s Restaurant Strong Fund and Grubhub are pleased to announce $750,000 in grants have been distributed to 117 restaurants across the nation. A portion of grant funds were dedicated to supporting new businesses around the nation as well as restaurants in Chicago and New York City. The program will award $135,000 to Chicago-area restaurants and $125,000 to New York City restaurants. An additional $290,000 will be distributed in other cities across the country to new businesses open for three years or less.

Small business restaurants play an essential role in the social tapestry of local communities by offering unique culinary experiences, fostering connections, and contributing to the economic vitality of our cities and towns. The Restaurant Strong Fund and Grubhub recognize the challenges faced by these establishments and remain dedicated to supporting their journey towards renewal and success. To date, the program has provided almost $17M in grants to restaurants across the nation.

The 117 restaurants selected to receive grants from the Restaurant Strong Fund will be provided with much-needed resources for their small business. These funds will assist in updating technology, updating equipment, marketing and public relations services, staff training programs, staff incentivized wages, maintenance/updating of current infrastructure, and construction or addition of outdoor seating. These restaurants all are small businesses, having only a single location, and are currently operating in the United States.

The 117 small business restaurants receiving grants from the Restaurant Strong Fund are:

$10,000 Grant Recipients

  • Amarit Thai and Sushi Chicago, IL 
  • Aroy Thai Restaurant Chicago, IL 
  • Arslans Gyros San Diego, CA 
  • Bourbon’s Kitchen and Cocktails Framingham, MA
  • Blue Adobe Grille Mesa, AZ
  • China Chef Bistro Phoenix, AZ
  • Classics flowers and Confections Cypress, CA
  • Eighty Eight Eggs Chicago, IL
  • Enso Sushi & Bar Chicago, IL
  • Fat Doughnut Brooklyn, NY
  • Figure Eight New York, NY
  • FishScale Washington DC
  • Granny’s Country Café Visalia, CA
  • Gruit by Abe’s Brooklyn, NY
  • Harvest Café Staten Island, NY
  • It’s All Good: Southern Kitchen Burlington, NC
  • Kickin’ Hot Chicken Chino, CA
  • Kokonut Grill Richmond, VA
  • Krackin Cajun Seafood House Joplin, MO
  • Little Crepe Café Cambridge, MA
  • Lobster Joint Brooklyn, NY
  • Milktopia San Francisco, CA
  • Okonomi Asian Grill Fairfax, VA
  • Parlor Kitchen Orlando, FL
  • Pharaohs Mediterranean Sandwiches   San Francisco, CA
  • Red Pig Asian Kitchen Chicago, IL
  • Sage Alley Brewery & Grille Coopersburg, PA
  • Sweet Pit BBQ & Seafood Hampton, GA
  • Sweetly, Shealy Camilla, GA
  • Tango Mango Inc Newton, MA
  • Thai Café Downers Grove, IL
  • The Grove Beverage Café Petoskey, MI
  • Warren HQ Philadelphia, PA

$5,000 Grant Recipients

  • 1308 Chicago Chicago, ILK
  • Amir’s Falafel Studio City, CA
  • Antonio’s Deli 2 LLC Philadelphia, PA
  • Baba’s Original New York System Providence, RI
  • Bailey Seafood Buffalo, NY
  • Bella LuLus Corp Jamaica, NY
  • Bellancino’s Pizza & Grinders Findlay, OH
  • Blue Fez Inc Salem, MA
  • Bo’s Schnitzelbunker Village of Pewaukee, WI
  • Brauhaus Schmitz Philadelphia, PA
  • BuenoMalo Andover, MA
  • C’s Waffles Titusville, FL
  • Café Gigu East Boston, MA
  • Caribbean Soul Kitchen Los Angeles, CA
  • Channel Islands Juice Company Ventura, CA
  • Charlies Creole Kitchen Dallas, TX
  • CheSa’s Bistro & Bar Chicago, IL
  • Dao Thai Restaurant Chicago, IL
  • Domy Pizza Bronx, NY
  • Echigo Home Cook San Francisco, CA
  • El Guadalajara Mexican Restaurant New York, NY
  • Feng Cha Las Vegas, NV
  • Fryers Roadside Silver Spring, MD
  • Georgia Soulfood Chicago, IL
  • Greenwich Pita and Grill Mason, OH
  • Hue Chicago Chicago, IL
  • Ivy Kitchen Detroit, MI
  • Johnny’s Taphouse and Grill Tarpon Springs, FL
  • Juicy Tails Fayetteville, AR
  • KOY Boston, MA
  • Kusanya Café Chicago, IL
  • La Guadalupe Restaurant Corp New York, NY
  • Lan Hand-Pulled Noodles Seattle, WA
  • Le Sud Chicago, IL
  • Lindsey’s Hospitality House and BBQ North Little Rock, AR
  • Loyola Pizza Los Angeles, CA
  • Luna Pizza Longwood, FL
  • Mad Bulldogs Hot Chicken Los Angeles, CA
  • Marbabellos Pizza Philadelphia, PA
  • Marcela Cocina Mexicana Brooklyn, NY
  • Margon Restaurant New York, NY
  • Master Shin Korean Plate San Jose, CA
  • Mexicali Sushi Bar East Boston, MA
  • Mr Chi Boba & Tea Las Vegas, NV
  • New Berlin Brewing Company North Canton, OH
  • Nkasso Food Allentown, PA
  • Izakaya Noname Long Island City, NY
  • Nu Crepes Elmhurst, IL
  • Oscar’s Kitchen Corp Bronx, NY
  • Paleo Treats Inc San Diego, CA
  • Pate Palo Bar and Grill New York, NY
  • Pega Grill Miami, FL
  • Pho Hana Diamond Bar, CA
  • Pippilocca/Il Passatore Asotria, NY
  • Pizzeria Rustico Boston, MA
  • Poke Bowl Tropical Atlantic City, NJ
  • Pub 6T5 New Bedford, MA
  • Queeni Kabobs Rancho Cucamonga, CA
  • Real Thai Cuisine Cranberry Twp, PA
  • Ristorante Ideale San Francisco, CA
  • Royal Thai Chicago, IL
  • Seven Bar and Restaurant Chicago, IL
  • Shawarma Grill Portland, OR
  • Shawarma Shack Chesapeake, VA
  • Southern Belle Atlanta, GA
  • Spring Asian Cuisine Spring TX
  • Star of Siam Chicago, IL
  • Straycat Kitchen Pasadena, CA
  • Sugar Wood New York, NY
  • Sushi Coast Webster, TX
  • SUteiShi Japanese Restaurant New York, NY
  • Tandy’s Pub & Grille Concord, NH
  • Tealicious Lincoln Park Chicago, IL
  • The Black Whale Bronx, NY
  • The Cupcake Parlor Clarksboro, NJ
  • The Jersey Spot Pizza and Pasta Kissimmee, FL
  • The Soul Spot Restaurant Brooklyn, NY
  • Tiparos Thai Cuisine & Sushi Bar Chicago, IL
  • Urban Vegan Chicago, IL
  • UThai Rego Park, NY
  • Vinateria New York, NY
  • What’s the Dill Detroit, MI
  • Winnie’s Manayunk Philadelphia, PA
  • Zhivago Restaurant  Skokie, IL

For more information about The Restaurant Strong Fund and its commitment to supporting the restaurant industry, please visit www.restaurantstrong.org

About The Greg Hill Foundation’s Restaurant Strong Fund

The Greg Hill Foundation responds to the immediate needs of families that have been touched by tragedy. Since its inception in 2010, the foundation has provided over $28 million in grants to families and individuals in need. The Greg Hill Foundation’s Restaurant Strong Fund was established in March of 2020. The fund was created to help aid the Hospitality Industry as restaurants closed and employees were left out of work due to Covid-19. The Restaurant Strong Fund provides various grant opportunities available to Restaurant Employees and Restaurant Owners.

About Grubhub

Grubhub is part of Just Eat Takeaway.com (LSE: JET, AMS: TKWY), a leading global online food delivery marketplace. Dedicated to connecting more than 32 million diners with the food they love from their favorite local restaurants, Grubhub elevates food ordering through innovative restaurant technology, easy-to-use platforms and an improved delivery experience. Grubhub features more than 365,000 restaurant partners in over 4,000 U.S. cities.

The Grubhub Community Fund Full Plate Program to Provide up to $1 Million in Microgrants to Chicago Nonprofits – Now Accepting Applications

One in five Chicago area households experience food insecurity – the lack of consistent access to adequate, nutritious food. To help ensure our neighbors have regular access to food and meal services, Grubhub is introducing our Full Plate Program, made possible by the Grubhub Community Fund*. This new microgrant program will support nonprofit organizations who provide food and meal services as a core part of their mission in our hometown with up to $10,000 each in grant support. All told, Grubhub’s goal is to recommend a total of up to $1 million in grants through the Grubhub Community Fund. The program will be administered in partnership with Greater Chicago Food Depository and Nourishing Hope.

Interested Chicago-based nonprofit organizations can apply now through 5 p.m. CT on Monday, Nov. 13, 2023. Applications will be evaluated based on need, impact, and demonstration of fiscal responsibility. Organizations approved for funding will be announced in December 2023.

Grubhub is committed to supporting local, community-centered programs that provide access to nutritious foods and beverages to individuals and families in need, and we are grateful to Greater Chicago Food Depository and Nourishing Hope for helping make this possible. For additional application details, please visit https://grubhub.smapply.io/. 

*The Grubhub Community Fund is a donor advised fund at a national sponsoring organization. The Grubhub Community Fund is made possible through donations from our customers through our Donate the Change feature. Grubhub matches contributions on eligible orders from our Grubhub+ members.