News Category: Community Impact

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. 

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.

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.

Grubhub x The Hatchery Chicago® Private Kitchen Pitch Competition – Now Accepting Applications

Since we first opened our doors in Chicago 19 years ago, Grubhub has been committed to positively impacting communities in the city that gave us our start. As a part of our new $300,000 partnership with The Hatchery Chicago®, a leading non-profit incubator dedicated to fostering successful food and beverage businesses on the West Side of Chicago, Grubhub is sponsoring a pitch competition to help local entrepreneurs build and grow successful businesses. 

Panoramic view of The Hatchery facility | Photographer: James Steinkamp Photography

Interested Chicago-based food and beverage entrepreneurs can apply now through 5:00 pm CT on Monday, Oct. 23. Once the application period closes, five finalists will be selected to pitch their business plans on how they will grow their restaurant concept – and of course, share samples of their delicious food – to a panel of judges during The Hatchery’s annual fundraiser on Friday, Dec. 1. Our first place winner will be awarded rent-free access to the private Grubhub Kitchen at The Hatchery for an entire year, plus additional wrap-around support from The Hatchery and Grubhub.

With this partnership and the pitch competition, we are thrilled to continue supporting independent restaurants and creating opportunities in the hospitality industry in our hometown. For additional competition details, please visit The Hatchery’s website.

Grubhub Marks Hunger Action Month with New Chicago Initiatives and Expands Existing Programs

At the start of this year, Grubhub outlined three areas of focus for its philanthropic giving model, including an emphasis on helping to close the hunger gap. During Hunger Action Month this September, we are making an impact with new partnerships and efforts in Chicago, New York and in other key cities.

According to this year’s August Consumer Food Insights Report, the U.S. continues to confront food insecurity, with 14 percent of the population considered food insecure. In addition to our year-long programs and partnerships that help bridge the hunger gap, this month we are rolling out several new efforts. These include a new Grubhub microgrant program that will support Chicago nonprofits, a partnership with the Greater Chicago Food Depository (Food Depository) that will significantly increase meal distribution in areas of the city with high levels of food insecurity, serving as the official Hunger Action Month sponsor of Food Bank for NYC’s (FBNYC) activities and hosting a series of Serving the City (STC) events. 

Here’s how Grubhub is showing up in communities across the country.

In our hometown of Chicago we’re introducing two new initiatives.

  • New $1 million microgrant program to support local nonprofits tackling food insecurity. Grubhub is introducing a microgrant program, with operational support from the Food Depository and Nourishing Hope, benefiting Chicago-based nonprofits. The program, made possible by the Grubhub Community Fund*, will direct up to $1 million in grant funding to organizations providing access to food and meal services. We’ll open up the application period for interested nonprofits in early October.
  • More nutritious, made-from-scratch meals distributed through the Food Depository’s expanded prepared meal programs. We are partnering with the Food Depository to aid in the expansion of their prepared meals program. These meals support Chicago families, older adults, people with disabilities and individuals with medically tailored diets. In early 2024, the Food Depository will open an expanded facility with eventual plans to prepare, source and distribute up to 10,000 meals per day. The partnership will also support the Food Depository’s work with food pantries, soup kitchens and shelters as they meet elevated demand for food assistance. 

“Hunger Action Month is all about raising awareness and taking action to alleviate food insecurity for our neighbors. Currently, one in five households in the Chicago Metro area faces food insecurity. We are incredibly grateful for valued partners like Grubhub whose support will allow us to continue ramping up our daily production of healthy, made-from-scratch meals as we plan to open our new prepared meals kitchen in 2024,” said Jill Zimmerman, Chief Philanthropy Officer at the Greater Chicago Food Depository. “We’re also excited by the microgrant program and Grubhub’s commitment to support a strong and resilient network of food access programs across Chicago and neighboring communities.”

We’re bringing the STC program to Boston and sponsoring FBNYC’s Hunger Action Month campaign.

  • Expanding our STC program in Chicago, New York and Boston. Since launching the program in 2022, we’ve held nearly 70 STC events across the country and distributed nearly 35,000 meals to communities. Now, we will expand the program to Boston, distributing meals to public schools in the area.
  • Partnering with FBNYC as the official Hunger Action Month sponsor in New York City. $100,000 in matching funds, made possible by the Grubhub Community Fund, will support FBNYC’s Hunger Action Month awareness effort. The donation match campaign aims to bring attention to FBNYC’s mission to end hunger by organizing food, information and support for community survival and dignity. 
Grubhub’s Serving the City purchases and provides meals in communities across New York City, Chicago and Philadelphia, with a Boston expansion coming soon.

Raising awareness about hunger in America and inspiring everyone to take action and help close the hunger gap expands far beyond Hunger Action Month.  

  • Advocating for systemic change with policymakers in Washington. While our direct programs and partnerships are primarily at the city level, our team also advocates for policies and programs at the federal level to help achieve national impact. This past year, the Grubhub Government Relations team has continued efforts to advance the implementation of the Food Donation Improvement Act and specific policy recommendations to address food insecurity within the Farm Bill.
  • Extending and deepening our work with food-focused GCF partners. For several years, we have partnered with organizations like MEANS Database, Rescuing Leftover Cuisine, Tacombi Foundation, Union League Boys and Girls Club in Chicago to support various food rescue and hunger relief programs that directly support communities across the country. In 2022, we partnered to distribute over 500,00 meals and rescued over 2.8 million pounds of food through partnerships funded by the Grubhub Community Fund, and we are on track to grow our impact helping more individuals and families get access to the food and additional program services.

“Grubhub is focused on partnering with local and national organizations to build out and support meaningful programs directly impacting individuals, families and communities, ” said Brianna Morris, Grubhub’s Sr. Manager of Community Impact. “Through the Grubhub Community Fund and other efforts, we are growing our impact in our hometown of Chicago, expanding our existing partnerships, and creating access to essential needs and opportunities within the communities we serve. ”

Hunger Action Month is a time to build awareness, but this work continues throughout the year in communities all across the country. As we deepen and expand our partnerships, we’ll continue to look at how we can achieve the greatest impact across all of our impact focus areas, including how we support independent restaurants and create opportunities for individuals working in the hospitality industry. 

*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 Partners with The Hatchery Chicago® to Help Entrepreneurs Open Their Doors on Chicago’s West Side

Grubhub was born and bred in Chicago. We opened our doors in the Windy City in 2004 on the belief that we could support and enable local restaurants to grow through innovation. Nineteen years later, Grubhub has helped more than 14,000 local restaurants serve more than one million diners spanning neighborhoods across Chicago.

One way we say thank you to the community that gave us our start is by giving back. That’s why we are kicking off a new $300,000 partnership with The Hatchery Chicago®, a leading non-profit incubator dedicated to fostering successful food and beverage businesses on the West Side of Chicago.

Panoramic view of The Hatchery facility | Photographer: James Steinkamp Photography

Grubhub’s partnership with The Hatchery Chicago includes:

  • Sponsoring a pitch competition and awarding the winner with 1-year fully paid access to the private Grubhub Kitchen at The Hatchery.
  • Developing new educational materials to guide The Hatchery Chicago’s entrepreneurs interested in utilizing third-party delivery to grow their businesses.
  • Providing philanthropic support through the Grubhub Community Fund*  to The Hatchery Chicago’s Sprouts Incubation program.

“Our partnership with The Hatchery Chicago is especially exciting because their mission to help local entrepreneurs build and grow successful businesses is exactly what we do at Grubhub every day with our own restaurant partners,” said Liz Bosone, Grubhub’s Vice President of Restaurant Success. “Not only are we offering financial support, but teams across Grubhub are working with The Hatchery Chicago to offer deeper, meaningful engagement that can help put their entrepreneurs on a path to sustained growth and success.”

Earlier this year, we outlined three focus areas for our philanthropy and community impact work. This partnership directly aligns with two: supporting independent restaurants to positively impact communities and creating opportunities in the hospitality industry.

Nikkita Randle of Twisted Eggroll during competition pitch | Photographer: Lucy Kronzer

“Since opening our doors on the West Side of Chicago in 2019, The Hatchery Chicago has helped hundreds of entrepreneurs get their starts in our kitchens and learn the necessary skills to launch and grow viable businesses,” said Natalie Shmulik, The Hatchery’s Chief Strategy & Incubation Officer. “On top of our existing services, our partnership with Grubhub allows us to look at new ways to support our community of entrepreneurs, including helping them successfully leverage online marketing and delivery resources to increase efficiencies and generate revenue.”

The Hatchery Chicago is our newest community impact partnership in Chicago. Through the Grubhub Community Fund, we also partner with local organizations like Nourishing Hope and Union League Boys & Girls Club, and national organizations like the Restaurant Strong Fund to administer restaurant grant programs in Chicago and across the country. To date, the Grubhub Community Fund has enabled more than 400 grants totaling more than $4 million to independent restaurants and awarded nearly $660,000 to nonprofit organizations in Chicago. 

We’re proud of the impact we’ve had in our hometown and of this new collaboration. And, we are excited to bring it to life! In the coming months, Grubhub and The Hatchery will announce details for the first pitch competition to win access to the private Grubhub Kitchen and additional joint events. We have a lot of work ahead, and we’re excited about what’s to come.

*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.

The Greg Hill Foundation’s Restaurant Strong Fund & Grubhub Distribute $1.25 Million From The Restaurant Strong Grant

BOSTON, MA – The Greg Hill Foundation’s Restaurant Strong Fund and the Grubhub Community Fund are pleased to announce $1.45 million in grant opportunities have been distributed to over 130 restaurants across four cities.

On Friday, June 16th, The Restaurant Strong Fund announced the recipients of the 2023 Restaurant Strong Grant. This grant provided restaurants the flexibility to utilize the funds in a manner that best suited their individual needs. Please see enclosed list of all restaurant recipients.

Grants ranged from $5,000 to $25,000 were awarded depending on need and growth opportunity showcased in the application. The program aimed to alleviate financial burdens and assist these establishments in adapting to the changing landscape of the restaurant industry. Recipients were able to allocate the grant towards providing opportunities that impact revenue growth and giving 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.

The Campaign will be limited to restaurants that have only one location with 50 employees or less within Boston, Chicago, New York City and Philadelphia. A portion of grant funds were dedicated to supporting diverse, women owned, minority owned, and LGBTQIA+ owned businesses.

The Restaurant Strong Fund remains committed to making a positive impact in the communities it operates in, and the successful completion of the 2023 Restaurant Strong Grant is a testament to that commitment. By supporting local restaurants in New York City, Boston, Philadelphia, and Chicago, The Restaurant Strong Fund aims to contribute to their growth, helping to restore the vibrancy and resilience of these remarkable cities.

ACCEPTED RESTAURANTS

Boston

$25,000
Blunch, MDAB LLC DBA, Mo’rockin Fusion, Reunion BBQ, Tawakal Halal Café

$10,000
Caffe Dello Sport, Cafe Iterum LLC, Casarecce Restaurant, Sufra Mediterranean Food, Sunset Cantina

$5,000
Basile – Fine Italian Kitchen, Brassica Kitchen and Cafe, Bukowski Tavern, Chickadee, Crispy Dough Pizzeria, LA Hacienda Restaurant, Paddy O’s of Boston, Samurai Express Japanese Restaurant, Seabiscuit, Villa Mexico Cafe

Chicago

$25,000
Boulevard Bistro, Bubble & Brew, Decadent Dessert Bar & Bistro, Dear Margaret, Dirty Tiffs Cafe, Imani’s Original Bean Pies, New Orleans Seafood Inc, Smack Dab Chicago, Tasty World Restaurant, Toro Sushi

$10,000
Baba Pita, Bocadillo Market, Drew’s on Halsted, E Ramen, Herb, Irenes, Kizin Creole restaurant, Krung Thep Thai Cuisine, Kubo, MFK., Standard Bar and Grill, Tacotlan, Twilight Kitchen, Uncle Ben’s Grill, Wild Blossom Meadery

$5,000
8A5E LLC, Ambers Food Cafe, Elevate Coffee, Evelyn’s Food Love, H&C POUR HOUSE, Indgo MRKTO, John’s Place, La Flor de Acapulco, La Michoacana Del Panda Inc, Luke’s Italian Beef, Mable’s Table, Mei’s, Mom’s Place – A Chicago Gathering Spot, Pho Loan, Port and Park Bistro, Side Practice Coffee LLC, The Cafeteria, The Comedy Clubhouse, The Jibarito Stop, Yummy Buffet

New York

$25,000
Abe’s Corner, Blu Room Bar & Lounge, Casita of Brooklyn, Concrete, Filly Luv, Miss American Pie, Ricas Pupusas & Mas, Royale, The Ryerson, Tiramisu Restaurant

$10,000
Benemon, Blueline Fry Plantain, Coffee Bay Restaurant, Come on Thai, Saigon Spice, Everything Grilled, J’s On The Bay, Kin Khao Thai, L and Z Bakery Inc, Nneji, Shogun Japan, The Daily Press Coffee House and Bar, The Halal Spot, Winemak’her Bar, Xe May Sandwich Shop

$5,000
7 Elephants, Aji Sushi House, Circo’s Pasty Shop, DokoDemo, Ethel & Annie Mae’s Soulfood Kitchen, GLACE, Italian Touch Pizza and Pasta (Staten Island), Karazishi Botan, Kombit Restaurant, L’arte della Pizza Brooklyn, Little Chef Little Cafe, Ouaga Sports Bar, Orange Caribbean and Grill Restaurant, Ortomare Ristorante Pizzeria, Palenque Colombian Food, Sze’s Garden Inc, Thailicious, The Bad Bagel, Therapy Wine Bar 2.0, Whisk & Whiskey

Philadelphia

$25,000
Ani’s Pizza Pasta and Wings, Crust Vegan Bakery, Daaiyah’s Delicious, Mawn, New Hong Kong Bakery Inc

$10,000
At Ramen MNYK, Cicala at The Divine Lorraine, Glory Beer Bar & Kitchen, In & Out Grill, New Wave Cafe, Newman’s Grill, Pizza Dot Com in Germantown, The Trestle Inn

$5,000
Antonio’s Deli, Cake Life Bake Shop, Cairo Kitchen on the Go, Farina Pasta and Noodle, Golden Crust Pizza lll, Sulimay’s Restaurant, Strangelove’s, Southwark, The Igloo