News Category: Community Impact

Supporting the Safe Spaces that Restaurants Create for the LGBTQ+ Community

In 2021, $2.1 Million in Grants, made possible by the Grubhub Community Fund, supported LGBTQ+ and Allied Restaurants and Establishments

By Justin Nelson, Co-Founder & President of the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce

Bars and restaurants have long served as safe spaces for historically marginalized LGBTQ+ people. However, the COVID-19 pandemic made it increasingly difficult for these independent restaurants and bars to stay in business.

Thanks to support from the Grubhub Community Fund and Grubhub diners through its Donate the Change program, NGLCC distributed nearly $2.1 million in grants to over 100 LGBTQ+ and allied restaurants in 2021. To help ensure we reached a wide range of grant applicants, we partnered with over 30 LGBTQ+ Affiliate Chambers across the country who shared the opportunity within their respective communities.

Building on last year’s success, we are continuing our partnership with Grubhub in 2022 with the support of a $2.1 million grant from the Grubhub Community Fund. This year, we will focus the restaurant grant program on LGBTQ+ and allied restaurants and establishments in New York City, Chicago, Boston, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Denver, and Portland, as well as cities throughout California.

The gratitude expressed by last year’s grant recipients was extremely heartwarming and reminds us why the work we do is so important to the LGBTQ+ community. And, equally as important, why continuing the work is a high priority.

Penny Baldado, Owner of Cafe Gabriela in Oakland, California

“As a trans-masculine and queer, immigrant person of color, I’ve worked hard and put all my love and energy into building a beautiful and welcoming space in Café Gabriela. I’ve remained resilient through COVID and this grant is the injection of funds that we need to continue along our journey to full recovery.”

David Perruzza, Owner of League of Her Own and Pitchers DC in Washington, D.C.

“Building community in a fun and safe place has been our mission since the very beginning. We’re relieved and thankful for these funds. This grant literally saved my business, and I can’t thank Grubhub and NGLCC enough for that reality. We are looking forward to more stable days ahead.”

Joy Crump, Founding Partner and Chef at FOODE + Mercantile in Fredericksburg, Virginia

“The past 19 months have been some of the most challenging in my career. Restaurant people are resilient people, but we are forever changed, and these funds are crucial as we continue to evolve with new technologies and tools to help us compete in this new normal.

Helping the LGBTQ+ business community thrive is core to who we are at NGLCC, and partnering with organizations like Grubhub, who shares our mission to help these independent businesses thrive, helps that mission become reality.

To learn more about Grubhub’s Community Impact programs, click here.

About the Author

As Co-Founder and President of the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC), Justin Nelson has the privilege of representing the LGBTQ+ business community and overseeing the largest LGBT economic advocacy and business development organization in the world. NGLCC has over 50 LGBTQ+ affiliate chambers in the United States representing America’s 1.4 million LGBTQ+ business owners.

The United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Announces 280 Hispanic-Owned Restaurants Awarded Grants

2021-2022 Program Made Possible by Nearly $2 Million Donation from Grubhub Community Fund

Washington, D.C. — The United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Education Fund, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization affiliated with the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC) announced today the names of nearly 300 Hispanic-owned restaurants awarded grants between $5,000 to $10,000.

The grant program is made possible by support from the Grubhub Community Fund. With support from Grubhub diners through its Donate The Change program, the fund provided USHCC with almost $2 million in program support in 2021.

Of the 4,500 applications received from around the country, the chosen 280 came from 28 states including Arizona, California, Florida, Illinois, and Texas, among others. The awards were given to help Hispanic restaurant owners who struggled to stabilize after the initial hit from the pandemic. With the awarded sum, these restaurants will be able to keep their doors open and continue serving their local communities. The complete list of grant recipients is included below.

“In Hispanic households, great food and conversation are what bring people together. We’re so proud to be honoring 280 small businesses with grants that can really make an impact on the lives of the owners and their surrounding neighborhoods,” explain Ramiro Cavazos, President and CEO of the USHCC. He continues, “The grantees come from diverse parts of the country and even more diverse backgrounds, which is emblematic of the 60+ million Hispanics found throughout the United States.”

“USHCC’s ability to reach so many small businesses, particularly the 280 independent restaurants that received grants last year through this program, makes it an invaluable partner for Grubhub,” said Dave Tovar, senior vice president of Communications & Government Relations at Grubhub. “Throughout the U.S., there are more than 50,000 Mexican restaurants alone that serve all types of Americans. As these restaurants rebuild and expand their kitchens and staff, we’re happy to be a part of their growth and success.”

Since 2017, the number of Hispanic-owned businesses has grown 3%, where Hispanic-owned businesses now make up almost 6% of all businesses. Today, the U.S. Hispanic population has a buying power of $1.9 trillion, nationwide, representing a key demographic in the country’s economy.

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USHCC Logo

About USHCC

The United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC) actively promotes the economic growth, development, and interests of five million Hispanic-owned businesses that, combined, contribute over $800 billion to the American economy every year. The USHCC is America’s largest small business advocacy group, representing more than 260 local chambers and business associations nationwide, and partners with hundreds of major American corporations. For more information, please visit ushcc.com. Follow USHCC on Twitter @USHCC.

View List of Grant Recipients

Grubhub’s ‘Serving the City’ Will Offer More Than 25,000 Meals to Communities in Need Across NYC

Bringing together local leaders, independent restaurants and community organizations, new program addresses recent surge in food insecurity

NEW YORK — Continued fallout from the pandemic and the rise in grocery prices due to inflation means more New Yorkers are facing food insecurity, and Grubhub’s Serving the City is partnering with members of the New York City Council to help address the need. Launching tomorrow, the program will run for at least 16 weeks and expects to deliver 25,000 meals to communities in need across each of the City Council’s 51 districts.

“Grubhub launched Serving the City to help address the surge in food insecurity which is up 36% citywide—and 46% among children,” said Adam DeWitt, Grubhub CEO. “And as with every community-first initiative, locking arms with local leaders helps ensure we maximize our impact by focusing on those who need it most. We’re off to an amazing start, and we can’t wait to roll this program out across the entire city as soon as possible.”

Tomorrow, at an event with Speaker Adrienne Adams (District 28), Serving the City will bring 500 meals from Unique Eats to two senior residences: Calvary Baptist Senior Housing (CALBAC) and Northeastern Towers Annex. 

“Food insecurity remains a challenge for many New Yorkers, including residents who live in District 28,” said Speaker Adrienne Adams. “Small businesses and restaurants are also struggling to recover from the pandemic, and need support from community partners. Grubhub’s new Serving the City initiative will bring together elected officials, local eateries, and residents to deliver meals to those who need it most. I thank Grubhub, Unique Eats, Calvary Baptist Senior Housing, Northeastern Towers Annex, and other partners throughout New York City for being part of this new innovative program.”

Last month, Grubhub kicked off a pilot of the program with Council Member Julie Menin (District 5), purchasing 500 meals from family-owned restaurant Mansion Diner and distributing them to area residents at The Stanley M. Isaacs Neighborhood Center. Additionally, in coordination with Council Member Majorie Velazquez (District 13), Grubhub purchased 500 meals from Havana Cafe that were distributed at the Throggs Neck Community Alliance. 

“Grubhub’s Serving the City initiative is an excellent partnership between community leaders, small businesses and an online food ordering company,” said Council Member Julie Menin, Chair of the City Council Small Business Committee. “By partnering with our local restaurants, GrubHub is truly committing dedicated resources to combating hunger in New York City.”

Photo of New York City Council Member Julie Menin (District 5) distributes meals at The Stanley M. Isaacs Center on May 25, 2022.
New York City Council Member Julie Menin (District 5) distributes meals at The Stanley M. Isaacs Center on May 25, 2022.

Over the next three months, Grubhub’s Serving the City will work with Council Members to help identify locations for meal distribution including housing authorities, senior centers and community organizations in their district. Local, independent restaurants will provide more than 500 meals at one or more distribution events per district. 

The COVID-19 pandemic and recent rise in grocery prices have increased food insecurity across the nation, impacting nearly 1.5 million New Yorkers, including one in four children. 

“The Isaacs Center is proud to partner with Grubhub, Council Member Julie Menin and the Mansion Diner in taking one more step towards eliminating hunger and food security in our community,” said Roderick L. Jones, president of the Stanley M. Isaacs Neighborhood Center.

Serving the City is the latest effort from Grubhub to help close the hunger gap. The company is a leading supporter of the Food Donation Improvement Act, which encourages companies to donate surplus food and grocery products to nonprofits by providing civil and criminal liability protection to food donors and food recovery organizations. Grubhub also partners with organizations fighting food insecurity, including Food Bank for NYC, Boys and Girls Clubs, and Rescuing Leftover Cuisine, a food rescue non-profit headquartered in New York City that purchases meals from minority and women-owned restaurants that are donated back into the community to food insecure families. Grubhub Community Fund grants to these and other related organizations totaled more than $2 million in 2021.

For more information about Grubhub’s Community Impact programs, visit https://about.grubhub.com/community/programs/.

Supporting Voices

“Grubhub’s Serving The City is taking bold initiative in combating the food insecurity that has been exacerbated by the pandemic,” said Council Member Marjorie Velázquez. “I was thrilled to partner with them and local restaurant Havana Café to provide meals and produce at Throggs Neck Community Alliance.”

“We were so excited to partner with Grubhub’s Serving the City program, along with Council Member Marjorie Velazquez, to provide nutritious and delicious meals from a local favorite restaurant, Havana Cafe,” said Angela Torres, director of Throggs Neck Community Alliance. “The pandemic and current inflation conditions have further weighed upon our community in the Bronx, but these meals were a welcome treat that brought nutrition and hope into the lives of our residents. On behalf of Throggs Neck Community Alliance, we extend our gratitude and cannot wait to see this project continue to make a profound impact.”

“Food insecurity is something that quite frankly is unacceptable in a city and, for that matter, a country like ours,” said John Phillips, 3rd generation owner of The Mansion Diner. “Millions of pounds of food are thrown in the garbage every single year, which is why we jumped at the chance to partner with NYC’s largest food delivery service to give back to the community which supports us all.”

“Upon opening Unique Eats NYC, it has been my mission to provide healthier, more diverse food options for the community,” said Chef Uniqua Grant, owner of Unique Eats NYC. “We pride ourselves on serving fresh, locally-sourced products which are always made to order! It’s an honor to Serve The City.”

MEANS Database and Grubhub Continue Food Recovery Initiatives

Contact Information:
Kenna Rogers, MEANS Database
kenna@meansdatabase.org
(202)-449-1507

Washington, DC — MEANS Database is pleased to announce the continuation of our partnership with Grubhub in order to support food recovery initiatives such as the Community Meal Program and Food Recovery Program.

With support from the Grubhub Community Fund, MEANS Database will be able to continue the Community Meal Program to provide funds to small businesses that provide culturally-appropriate meals to local nonprofits that serve community members facing food insecurity.

“MEANS Database is looking forward to continuing our work with Grubhub for 2022 and 2023. Through this partnership so far, we have provided 550,000 meals to nonprofits across the country and over $4 million to small and medium-sized restaurants as they recover from COVID-19 shutdowns. With this grant we are eager to continue to support nonprofits in seven cities and continue our food recovery efforts nationwide,” states Kenna Rogers, Senior Project Manager at MEANS Database.

Our Food Recovery Program supports both businesses and community members facing food insecurity in the short-term with food donations, while building a long-term sustainable network of businesses and nonprofit organizations for food recovery in the future. The creation of cooperative networks across the food system is essential for sustaining successful partnerships that reduce excess food waste.

“Grubhub has more than 320,000 independent restaurants at the heart of our business, and we are uniquely positioned to help connect them to incredible organizations like MEANS Database to make the most of their leftover food supply,” said Brett Swanson, Grubhub’s Sr. Manager for Community Affairs & Social Impact. “No one – especially the 13.8 million children in the U.S. who experience food insecurity – should have to wonder where they’ll get their next meal. The Community Meal Program and Food Recovery Program are absolutely critical resources for families and we’re happy to offer our support.”

MEANS Database is grateful for the opportunity to expand our Community Meal Program and Food Recovery Program to support communities across the country with the support of the Grubhub Community Fund.

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MEANS Database modernizes food recovery by connecting excess food to organizations and individuals who need it. Our organization has two major goals: to reduce food waste and reroute that food to feed people facing food insecurity. Since 2015, MEANS Database has expanded its network to over 3,000 users in all 50 states and the District of Columbia and has successfully recovered over 4 million pounds of food. For more information, visit meansdatabase.org.

Grubhub Community Fund Announces Over $5.5 Million in Grants for New York City Nonprofits

NYC is Part of Nearly $20 Million to National Organizations Supporting Independent Restaurants, Closing the Hunger Gap and More

Contact: Liza Dee, ldee@grubhub.com

NEW YORK – New York City community organizations are set to receive $5.53 million this year from the Grubhub Community Fund (GCF), according to an announcement today. Grants will be distributed to organizations supporting independent restaurants, closing the hunger gap, and creating new opportunities in the food and beverage industry. The news comes as part of the GCF’s broader announcement of $19.8 million in grants to 27 organizations across the country, with additional programs and new partnerships still to be announced in the months ahead.

“Grubhub is committed to ensuring New York’s restaurants and neighborhoods not only survive but thrive as the city continues to recover from the pandemic,” said Dave Tovar, senior vice president of communications and government relations at Grubhub. “These grants are just the start. In the year ahead, the Grubhub Community Fund will deepen our longstanding support for restaurants, drivers and diners through grants and partnerships that will lift up independent businesses, create new opportunities for entrepreneurs, close the hunger gap and more.”

Among the New York City organizations that will receive grants through the GCF are Food Bank For NYC, Hospitality Pathways, the Queens Center for Progress, Rescuing Leftover Cuisine, the Tacombi Foundation, the Variety Boys & Girls Club of Queens, the Madison Square Boys and Girls Club, and Plant Powered Metro New York. Over the course of 2021, the GCF donated more than $25 million to over 23 charitable organizations across the country.

“Food Bank For New York City has had the benefit of partnering with Grubhub during the past two years,” said Janis Robinson, VP of Institutions and Partnerships at Food Bank For NYC. “Grubhub provided much needed support for food distribution during the pandemic. We are pleased to extend the partnership for the next three years, and continue to distribute food to communities where access to nutritious food is limited.”

“We are excited to partner with the Grubhub Community Fund on a state of the art teaching kitchen that will provide our young people access to healthy food and the means to prepare it in a healthy way,” said Costa Constantinides, CEO Variety Boys and Girls Clubs of Queens. “As we re-imagine our club into the 21st century, partnerships with organizations like Grubhub will help us go from serving 4,000 young people a year to close to 16,000 young people yearly. Together, we are building a stronger community and making positive change in the lives of the students we serve.”

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Grubhub Community Fund Announces Nearly $700K in Grants for Chicago Nonprofits

Chicago is Part of Nearly $20 Million to National Organizations Supporting Independent Restaurants, Closing the Hunger Gap and More

Contact: Liza Dee, ldee@grubhub.com

NEW YORK – Chicago community organizations are set to receive $658,000 this year from the Grubhub Community Fund (GCF), according to an announcement today. Grants will be distributed to organizations supporting independent restaurants, closing the hunger gap, and creating new opportunities in the food and beverage industry. The news comes as part of the GCF’s broader announcement of $19.8 million in grants to 27 organizations across the country, with additional programs and new partnerships still to be announced in the months ahead.

“Grubhub is committed to ensuring Chicago’s restaurants and neighborhoods not only survive but thrive as the city continues to recover from the pandemic,” said Dave Tovar, senior vice president of communications and government relations at Grubhub. “These grants are just the start. In the year ahead, the Grubhub Community Fund will deepen our longstanding support for restaurants, drivers and diners through grants and partnerships that will lift up independent businesses, help close the hunger gap and workforce development opportunities within our industry.”

Among the Chicago organizations that will receive grants through the GCF are Nourishing Hope (formerly Lakeview Pantry), Youth Guidance, World Relief Chicago and World Relief Quad Cities, the Union League Boys and Girls Clubs of Chicago, the Ethiopian Community Association of Chicago, Jewish Child & Family Services of Chicago, Heartland Human Care Services Inc., and the East Central Illinois Refugee Mutual Assistance Center.

Nourishing Hope, formerly known as Lakeview Pantry, is a dynamic social services organization providing free food, mental health counseling and social services to any Chicagoan in need. In the months ahead, the Grubhub Community Fund grant will support Nourishing Hope’s innovative online market program, which includes the delivery of free groceries to clients unable to visit a distribution center.

“Grubhub’s investment in our work will allow us to expand our essential services, meeting even more people where they are,” said Kellie O’Connell, Nourishing Hope CEO. “The Grubhub Community Fund and Grubhub leadership have continued to step up in creative and exciting new ways to support our work and help us push the envelope through technology and innovation, empowering Nourishing Hope to serve more than 75,000 families across Chicago this year.”

“We are beyond excited about our partnership with Grubhub. The communities we serve in Chicago are among the most impacted by food insecurity, and support from the Grubhub Community Fund will bring healthy, delicious meals to more than 15,000 youth, provide them with resources and skills to make healthy food choices, and enrich the communities we serve through our annual Thanksgiving community dinners,” said Logan Heggemann, senior director of development at the Union League Boys & Girls Clubs. “Thank you to Grubhub for believing in the power of a healthy meal and putting their money where their mouth is by investing in Union League Boys & Girls Clubs and the more than 15,000 youth we serve at our 21 locations in Chicago. We can’t do this critical work feeding our communities without them.”

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Grubhub Community Fund’s 2022 Nonprofit Partners Driving Long-Term Positive Change

27 Partners Confirmed and $19.8 Million in Grants to Community Organizations So Far This Year…And More to Come

By Dave Tovar
SVP Communications & Government Relations

For decades, companies have seen ever-increasing pressure to do more than deliver shareholder profits. Recent findings reported by Harvard Business School show that 95% of employees believe businesses should benefit all stakeholders—not just shareholders— including employees, customers, suppliers, and communities where they operate. 

Throughout my career, I’ve been extremely fortunate to work for some of the leading American brands, including their programs and initiatives to improve the communities they serve. The Walmart Foundation invested in programs that create economic opportunity, advance sustainability and equity and strengthen local communities. While at McDonald’s, I was able to work with the Ronald McDonald House Charities as our charity of choice and saw how they helped improve the health and well-being of children and their families. And during my time with Sprint, the company launched a massive program offering free devices and free internet service to unconnected students. After joining Grubhub almost one year ago, the opportunity to help further develop the company’s corporate giving – with greater strategic direction and measured impact – was a clear priority as our team grew.

Taking key learnings from existing partnerships, we’ve expanded our philanthropic efforts and evolved the way we partner with nonprofits to drive more meaningful, long-term change. So far this year, we have laid the groundwork to support programs and initiatives with 27 Grubhub Community Fund partners, supported by an expected $19.8 million in grants. This support will enable $11.3 million in restaurant grant programs. And, we’re not done yet. As we look to the second half of the year, new programs and partnerships are in the works that will launch in the coming months.

Fortunately, we are building on a strong foundation of corporate giving. Grubhub has a history of supporting independent restaurants, helping to eliminate food waste and fighting food insecurity in communities. The Grubhub Community Fund, with the support of our diners through our Donate the Change program, has enabled $21 million in grants to independent restaurants and provided 325,000 meals to food-insecure families. Additionally, Grubhub has given $500,000 in grants to drivers working to create meaningful change in their communities. In 2021 alone, the Grubhub Community Fund donated more than $25 million to over 23 charitable organizations. Looking back, it’s incredible to see how much has been achieved in just a few years since the Grubhub Community Fund launched. 

As our corporate giving continues to mature, we’re poised to make an even bigger impact supporting independent restaurants, closing the hunger gap and creating more opportunities in the food and beverage industry. At the end of the day, we will not only strengthen our company’s reputation and help us attract and retain the best talent, but they also show our diners how we support their restaurant neighbors and the communities they live in. And, our Grubhub customers should feel good knowing they’re directly supporting local restaurants and community-first initiatives with each order. 

 2022 GCF Confirmed Partners

(Updated June 2, 2022) 

National 

  • Feed The Soul 
  • National ACE 
  • NGLCC 
  • Restaurant Strong Fund 
  • UNHCR 
  • World Central Kitchen 

Local 

  • Ethiopian Community Association of Chicago 
  • FeedMore WNY
  • Food Bank for NYC 
  • Heartland Human Care Refugee and Immigrant Community Services  
  • Hospitality Pathways 
  • JCFS Chicago – HIAS Immigration & Citizenship 
  • Nourishing Hope (fka Lakeview Pantry) 
  • Madison Square Boys & Girls Club 
  • MEANS Database 
  • Momentum Advisory Collective 
  • Piatt Family Foundation 
  • Plant Powered Metro 
  • Queens Center for Progress 
  • Rescuing Leftover Cuisine 
  • Tacombi Community Kitchen 
  • The Refugee Center 
  • Union League Boys & Girls Club 
  • Variety Boys & Girls Club of Queens 
  • Youth Guidance 
  • World Relief Chicago 
  • World Relief Quad Cities 

The Grubhub Community Fund is a Donor Advised Fund at a national sponsoring organization. 

Helping Communities Heal and Making Restaurants #AAPISTRONG

Grubhub and others play a vital role in getting financial support to independent Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI)-owned businesses across the country

By Dr. Karen Eng, President and CEO, CSMI and Board Chair, National Asian/Pacific Islander American Chamber of Commerce and Entrepreneurship (National ACE)

At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, we heard all too often about how restaurants across the country were hit hard. However, AAPI-owned businesses in particular faced unique challenges, including heightened racism triggered by the pandemic’s association with Asian countries. It’s always been the role of National ACE to build a bridge between AAPI-owned businesses and the communities in which they operate. Now, this work has taken on renewed importance.  We work closely with partner Chambers of Commerce and businesses throughout the country, including Grubhub, to strengthen our programs and expand our reach.

I am extremely grateful for our partnership with the Grubhub Community Fund (GCF) in 2021, and am thrilled to share that we have renewed and deepened our partnership for 2022.

Thanks to support from the GCF, National ACE’s 2021 AAPISTRONG Restaurant Fund supported 196 restaurants across the country with grants of up to $10k each. Grant winners reported the funds being used for crucial operating costs, such as rent, employee paychecks, purchasing PPE, renovations, new equipment,  establishing a digital e-commerce presence, and marketing and technology updates.

Building on last year’s success, GCF will contribute $2.5M to National ACE as the grant program expands in 2022. This year, grants will support independent AAPI-owned restaurants nationwide with grants ranging from $25K to $100K.

The numbers are impressive, but what really highlights why partnerships like this are so important is the feedback we hear from the small business owners in need of grant support. The 2021 winners represent the wonderful and diverse restaurants and businesses we’ve been able to impact directly.

Tim & Joni Navarra, Owners of East Market and Goods in Waco, Texas

“There is no Asian grocery store within 90 miles of our city, Waco. And so there’s also a lot of flavors that are missing, especially when it comes to Korean, Filipino, Malaysian and Thai…So for most people during the pandemic, they don’t have to go over 90 miles to feel like they’re at home to get the little things. [The fund] will allow us to stay open and continue to share these flavors.”

Khaled Ramadan, Co-owner of Sunrise Middle Eastern Deli in San Francisco’s Sunset District

“The fund will keep our staff employed at their normal hours and normal hourly wage without having to decrease their hours or change their schedules. Whatever is left over, we will have to use it on our rent….”

“You guys have been a lifesaver for us.”

Jason Angeles, Co-Founder of Churreria in San Francisco, CA

“AAPISTRONG is a reflection of the Asian American community, we flood to support each other and stand in solidarity during tough and rough times. This grant helps us with the ongoing transition period from ‘shelter in place’ mindset to the ‘fully opened economy’. This middle ground has been tough on the businesses. We need to get to fully opened to really survive.”

Saki Melius, Owner of Kyu Ramen in Denver, CO

“I really appreciate it. [The funds] were so helpful. Thank you so much… [I’m] using it to cover part of the rent and the labor cost. The beginning of the month is a little difficult because all the payments happen at once. So, the fund that we receive will go to that.”

Nu Ice and Drink, Houston, TX

“In 2010, Nu Cafe opened its doors to the public. We started off as a full-fledged restaurant with rice and noodle dishes, along with drinks and shaved ice. We were one of the first and original food establishments to serve authentic Snowflake Ice in Texas. People flocked from all over Houston, Dallas, Austin, and even other states to try our Nu Snowflake Ice, food, and creative drinks.”

Companies like Grubhub help us achieve our mission to advocate for AAPI business interests, and to stand up for and effect change in our community. We can only be successful in this work by having strong relationships – with the AAPI community, coalitions and leaders at the community level, and with partners like Grubhub and supportive, like-minded organizations. We’re motivated by the success we’ve seen to date, and we’re energized by the amazing opportunities that lie ahead.

To learn more about National ACE or to apply for the 2022 grant program, visit the National ACE website here.

And, you can learn more about Grubhub’s Community Impact programs here.

National ACE Opens Applications for the AAPISTRONG Restaurant Fund in Partnership with the Grubhub Community Fund to Help Struggling AAPI-owned Restaurants

Independent restaurants across the country can apply for a grant up to $100,000 through the AAPISTRONG Restaurant Fund

CHICAGO, IL and WASHINGTON, D.C. — The National Asian/Pacific Islander American Chamber of Commerce & Entrepreneurship (National ACE) today announced the second year of the AAPISTRONG Restaurant Fund to support independent, Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI)-owned restaurants, a program enabled by a grant from the Grubhub Community Fund. With the industry facing unprecedented challenges since the pandemic began over two years ago, the AAPISTRONG Restaurant Fund is available to help restaurants respond to supply chain disruptions, increased inventory costs, workforce development, and discrimination. The monetary grants can help pay employees’ wages, expand operations, renovate for new business needs, upgrade equipment, explore e-commerce offerings, or repair damage to the place of business caused by anti-Asian sentiment.

“Our AAPI-owned restaurants have experienced severe losses throughout the pandemic and even worse, continue to be victims of hate, discrimination, and bias at their places of business,” 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 contributions from Grubhub and its diners will provide relief for AAPI restaurant owners who may not have received financial assistance from the federal government or those who are trying to emerge from the long-lasting and devastating impacts of the pandemic.”

Eligible restaurants across the country will be able to apply for a $25,000 grant, and over 70 restaurants will be awarded in September 2022. Three finalists will be awarded $100,000, $75,000, and $50,000 live at the National ACE Annual Conference in Washington, D.C. from September 19-21, 2022.

AAPI-owned restaurants were among the hardest hit during the pandemic’s early days. By April 2020, roughly half of the Chinese restaurants in the U.S. had closed because of the pandemic, coupled with consumer prejudice and misperceptions.

“As the country emerges from the pandemic, restaurants still need help getting back on their feet, and that’s why Grubhub is doubling down on its support and partnering with National ACE again to help diverse restaurants,” said Dave Tovar, Senior Vice President of Communications & Government Relations at Grubhub. “Every restaurant has been impacted by the pandemic, but the AAPI community has faced uniquely difficult challenges over the past two years. We hope by highlighting the important role diverse restaurants play in their communities – from the cuisine offered to employment opportunities to serving as community gathering spaces – that we can help these restaurants grow and thrive.”

From June 1 to June 22, 2022, the AAPISTRONG Restaurant Fund will accept grant applications from all AAPI-owned restaurants throughout the United States.

To qualify for grant assistance, AAPI-owned restaurants must satisfy all of the following requirements:

  1. The restaurant must be Asian American/Pacific Islander/Native Hawaiian majority-owned (at least 51%);
  2. Must be based in the United States;
  3. Must be currently operational;
  4. Must show proof of their primary licensed activity as “the preparation and serving of food”;
  5. Must operate in a maximum of three locations (cannot be a franchise).

Applications will open at 9am ET on Wednesday, June 1, 2022 via www.AAPISTRONG.com.

The application period will close on June 22, 2022 and grants will be distributed to restaurants throughout Fall 2022. Interested restaurants can learn more about the AAPISTRONG Restaurant Fund and the full application process at https://www.aapistrong.com/current-grants

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About National ACE
National ACE’s mission is to serve as a strong advocate of AAPI business interests and effect positive change on all issues that enhance and advance the goals and aspirations of AAPI business owners, entrepreneurs, and corporate leaders. With over 70 affiliate chambers of commerce and minority business organization partners throughout the country, National ACE strives to support and promote issues that impact the AAPI business community by improving economic development and impact, advancing coalitions and enhancing community building, and fostering the next generation of AAPI entrepreneurs and executives. National ACE provides a unified voice for the business interests of AAPIs nationally. Learn more at: www.nationalace.org.

Feed the Soul Foundation Awards $300K to Black and Latino-Owned Culinary Businesses through Restaurant Business Development Grant Program

Grant from Grubhub Community Fund to increase funding and allow expansion in organization’s second year supporting Black and Latin-owned culinary businesses across the nation

HOUSTON, TEXAS (April 19, 2022) According to the Independent Restaurant Coalition, 500,000 restaurants and bars face an uncertain future due to lost revenue and increased debt over the past 22 months.  1.1 million minority-owned businesses often face heightened challenges and disparities when securing business funding.  To meet this challenge and in its second year, Feed the Soul Foundation, the non-profit arm of Black Restaurant Week, LLC, announced their cohort program to support marginalized restaurant entrepreneurs financially and professionally through the Restaurant Business Development Grant Program.

Through the support of the Grubhub Community Fund‚ the presenting program partner, Feed the Soul Foundation’s grant program will award 30 small businesses with $10,000.00 financial stipends and six months of business development services as they prepare to navigate the post-Covid world and the ever-changing consumer dining trends.

Founded by entrepreneurs Falayn Farrell, Warren Luckett and Derek Robinson, the foundation increased its funding from the 2021 Restaurant Business Development Grant Program by $50,000 and expanded its reach to support Latin-owned culinary businesses in addition to Black-owned culinary businesses.

“Small businesses are still in recovery mode because of a two-year long pandemic. It is our responsibility to ensure they are not facing these hardships alone,” says Falayn Ferrell, Chairwoman of Feed the Soul Foundation and co-founder of Black Restaurant Week. “Last year’s program was extremely successful in the revitalization of Black-owned culinary businesses, and we are more than excited to expand our services to support additional marginalized communities. We are deeply committed to providing solutions to issues faced by restaurateurs such as human resources, marketing, and operations.”

Cohorts will work alongside subject matter experts and consultants during the six-month program that will further their growth and knowledge of the restaurant industry:

  • Financial literacy training and Financial Coaching
  • Advertising and Marketing training
  • One-on-One Business Development Consultation from industry experts

The awarded cohort includes the following businesses:

  • Aksum Café (Philadelphia, PA)
  • Alfreda’s Soul (Houston, TX)
  • Blends Daiquiri Lounge (Dallas TX)
  • Brotherly Grub (Philadelphia, PA)
  • Cochinita & Co. (Houston, TX)
  • Cocobreeze Restaurant (Oakland, CA)
  • Cool Runnings Jamaican Restaurant (Daytona, FL)
  • Deddle’s Mini Donuts (Pikesville, MD)
  • Dos Hermanos Taco Truck (Columbus, OH)
  • England Eatery Café (Baltimore, MD)
  • Forsyth Seafood Market & Café (Winston-Salem, NC)
  • Fruve xPress Juicery (Chicago, IL)
  • Gusto Gourmet (Houston, TX)
  • Jelana’s Bake Shop (Hillsboro, OR)
  • Kina’s Kitchen and Bar (Sonoma, CA)
  • Lakou Café (Brooklyn, NY)
  • Miss Mamie’s Spoonbread Too (New York, NY)
  • Original Rio Cristal Restaurant (Miami, FL)
  • Sky’s Gourmet Tacos (Los Angeles, CA)
  • Smoothie Express Miami Shores (Miami, FL)
  • Star Fusion Express (Philadelphia, PA)
  • Stuff’d Wings (Houston, TX)
  • Sweets by Belen (Houston, TX)
  • Tacotlan (Chicago, IL)
  • The Missing Brick (Indianapolis, IN)
  • The Nourish Spot (Queens, NY)
  • Tsion Café (New York, NY)
  • Underground Vegan (Birmingham, AL)
  • Windy City Ribs & Whiskey (Chicago, IL)
  • Yo Soy Ceviche (San Francisco, CA))

During its inception in 2020, Feed The Soul Foundation strived to create a non-profit program that would provide sustainability and growth in marginalized-owned businesses. In 2021, the foundation celebrated the following milestones:

  • 25 US-based Black-owned businesses received $250,000 in grants in addition to 6 months of business development support valued at $190,000
  • Established a National Emergency Relief Fund to aid culinary businesses across the nation with$16,450 in emergency funds to assist with unforeseen and natural disasters
  • $25,000awarded in scholarships to minority hospitality students at Careers through Culinary Arts Program and University of Houston Conrad N. Hilton College of Global Hospitality Leadership

Feed the Soul Foundation will begin taking applications for the 2023 program in October. For more information about Feed the Soul Foundation, please visit feedthesoulfou.org.

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About Feed the Soul Foundation

Black Restaurant Week, LLC established the Feed the Soul Foundation to aid marginalized entrepreneurs in the culinary industry with business development resources and support to foster sustainable business growth. The goal of the Restaurant Business Development Fund supports marginalized business owners with business development scholarships and emergency funding.

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 300,000 restaurant partners in over 4,000 U.S. cities.