News Tag: Support

The Grubhub Community Fund’s Full Plate Program Offering $1 Million in Microgrants to Support 200 Nonprofits in Chicago and NYC

Grubhub is proud to expand the Full Plate Program, powered by the Grubhub Community Fund, to support nonprofit organizations in Chicago and New York City that provide access to food and meal services. Now in its third year, the program continues to drive collective action to help close the hunger gap in both cities. Eligible organizations in each market will receive microgrants of $5,000 each, with a goal of distributing $1 million in total funding to 200 nonprofit organizations through the Grubhub Community Fund.

This year, the program will be administered in partnership with the Food Bank For New York City and the Greater Chicago Food Depository, supporting their networks of organizations that address food insecurity across the five boroughs of New York City and Chicagoland. Funding will help nonprofits procure and distribute food and meals, as well as strengthen operational capacity to meet growing demand – a need reflected in recent national data showing that more than one in six U.S. adults (17.6%) reported receiving charitable food in 2024.* 

The Full Plate Program will prioritize high-need communities in both cities, including those largely impacted by changes to the SNAP program and food deserts with low access to healthy food options. Priority will be given to pantries and soup kitchens serving vulnerable populations and those in neighborhoods experiencing increased need. 

To ensure timely support, organizations will be notified of their eligibility by the Food Bank For New York City and Greater Chicago Food Depository. The program will be administered directly by our partners, enabling real-time response to critical needs. 

Eligibility for each market includes:

  • Chicago: Eligible Chicago-based nonprofit organizations that partner with the Greater Chicago Food Depository will be invited to apply for a $5,000 microgrant. Greater Chicago Food Depository partners eligible to apply include soup kitchens or food pantries open to the general public. They must be in good partner standing with Greater Chicago Food Depository and have been open and operational for the last six months. The selection process will prioritize partners based on SNAP participation rates, poverty rates, and unemployment rates in their community.
  • NYC: Eligible NYC-based nonprofit organizations will be recommended by the Food Bank For New York City to receive a $5,000 microgrant. The Food Bank For New York City will prioritize selecting soup kitchens or food pantries open to the general public in areas with high supply gaps and those serving vulnerable populations, including communities with a high number of individuals with diet-related diseases. They must be in good standing with the Food Bank For New York City. 

Microgrants will support more than 200 organizations across both cities, and approved recipients will be announced in February 2026. 

Grubhub remains committed to supporting local, community-driven programs that provide nutritious food to individuals and families in need. We’re grateful to Food Bank For New York City and Greater Chicago Food Depository for helping make this initiative possible.

*Urban Institute’s Households Faced Persistent Challenges Affording Food in 2024 report, published in March 2025

Grubhub and The Greg Hill Foundation’s Restaurant Strong Fund Announce New National Grant Cycle, Marking Fifth Year of Partnership

BOSTON, MA – Grubhub and The Greg Hill Foundation’s Restaurant Strong Fund are proud to announce a new round of national grant opportunities totaling $775,000, made possible by the Grubhub Community Fund, to support small business restaurants across the country. As we celebrate five years of partnership, we remain deeply committed to lifting independent restaurants – recognizing now more than ever the urgent need to support small businesses as they navigate ongoing economic challenges and strive to grow within their communities.

Beginning Monday, December 8, 2025, the Restaurant Strong Fund will begin accepting applications on a rolling basis through Tuesday, December 23, 2025. Grants are designed to drive revenue growth and may support a wide range of operational needs, including, but not limited to: upgrading technology or equipment, marketing and public relations services, staff training programs, incentive-based wages, and maintenance or enhancement of existing infrastructure.

Restaurants applying for funding must outline clear and specific plans for how the grant will be used and define measurable goals for expected growth. Grant awards will be in the amount $5,000 based on demonstrated need and potential impact.

In addition to the general grant program, Grubhub and the Restaurant Strong Fund will once again present the Restaurant Strong Community Award, recognizing small business restaurants that go above and beyond in serving their communities. Whether through volunteerism, charitable meals, partnerships with local nonprofits, or other meaningful community-driven initiatives, this award honors the businesses that reflect the heart and spirit of their neighborhoods.

Grants from The Restaurant Strong Fund will be limited to single-location restaurants that meet the following criteria:
• Must be open and operating in the contiguous United States
• Completed application form
• Detailed explanation of need and intended use of funds
• Evidence of financial or operational need

The Restaurant Strong Community Award must satisfy the following requirements:
• Must be open and operating in the contiguous United States
• Completed application form
• At least one reference and/or link to news coverage, program materials, photos, or other documentation demonstrating community impact
• Explanation of how funding will further community-driven initiatives

A portion of grant funds will be dedicated specifically to restaurants located in the Chicago, New York, Boston, Philadelphia, DMV (D.C./Maryland/Virginia), and Dallas, Fort Worth, and Houston areas, while the remaining funds will be available to small business restaurants nationwide. Restaurants may apply for both the general grant program and the Restaurant Strong Community Award; however, preference for general grants is given to first-time awardees.

All grants will be announced the second week of January, continuing our shared mission to give back and to invest in small business restaurants that strengthen and sustain the communities they serve.

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 $32 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. Now, the Restaurant Strong Fund focuses on providing various grant opportunities to support restaurant owners and employees.

About Grubhub

Grubhub is leading U.S. ordering and delivering marketplace dedicated to connecting customers with their favorite local restaurants, merchants, and convenience retailers. Grubhub elevates online ordering through innovative restaurant technology, easy-to-use platforms, and an improved delivery experience. Part of Wonder Group, Grubhub features over 415,000 merchants in more than 4,000 U.S. cities.

Grubhub and National ACE Award $485,000 in Funding to Strengthen Nearly 100 Community Restaurants Through Accelerator and Grant Programs

In neighborhoods across the country, family-run restaurants open their doors each morning with a blend of tradition, determination, and hope. Today, 97 of those restaurants are receiving a new source of support. The National Asian/Pacific Islander American Chamber of Commerce and Entrepreneurship (National ACE) and Grubhub have announced the 2025 Restaurant Accelerator & Community Fund Grant recipients.

This program, made possible by the Grubhub Community Fund, empowers all restaurateurs, including Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI), by combining financial support of $5,000 with a four-part virtual accelerator focused on maximizing revenue, building a strong digital presence, and attracting more customers. From upgrading kitchen equipment and enhancing online ordering systems to supporting staff and streamlining day-to-day operations, this grant helps restaurants make strategic investments that fuel long-term growth.

“Small businesses are the engine of economic advancement in every community,” said Chiling Tong, President and CEO of National ACE. “Restaurants in New York City alone supported hundreds of thousands of jobs and generated tens of billions in economic activity. Neighborhoods like Manhattan’s Chinatown, Flushing in Queens, and Chicago’s Argyle and Devon corridors thrive as vibrant hubs of entrepreneurship, powered by family-owned restaurants. That’s why we’re proud to continue supporting them and helping these businesses grow, innovate, and strengthen the communities they serve.”

This effort is part of a deeper, ongoing collaboration between National ACE and Grubhub. Since the partnership began, more than $6.6 million has been invested directly into small businesses, helping thousands of entrepreneurs strengthen their operations and keep their communities fed.

“We are proud of our continued partnership with National ACE,” said Brianna Morris, associate director of community impact at Grubhub. “Independent restaurants often face unique challenges in a competitive landscape. This integrated approach is designed to help these small businesses expand their digital reach, customer base, and ultimately position themselves for sustainable, long-term growth, and success within their communities.”

We are grateful for the following restaurateurs and subject matter experts who shared their stories and expertise with our accelerator participants:

  • Jinah Ahn, Owner, Sunhee’s Farm and Kitchen

  • Ronald Hsu, Chef-Partner and Culinary Director, Lazy Betty

  • Beverly Kim, Co-Owner, Parachute HiFi

  • Taylor Deloye, Manager, Merchant Accounts, Grubhub

  • Charles Shadley, Manager, SMB Merchant Success, Grubhub

  • Brittany Bakkum, Manager, Merchant Support, Grubhub

  • Deja Bond, Founder, Filly Luv

  • Victor Low, Owner, Kapitan

A comprehensive list of the grant winners includes outstanding establishments from across the nation:

  • Akizu Sushi Bar & Grill – Foster City, California

  • Anna’s Vegan Cafe – Sacramento, California

  • Bartel & Bacon – Seattle, Washington

  • Bento Asian Diner – Broken Arrow, Oklahoma

  • Bite&Tea – Bristol, Connecticut

  • Bolicious – Tulsa, Oklahoma

  • Bread & Butter Cafe – Palatine, Illinois

  • Cafe Danvers – New York, New York

  • Cha Community – Waco, Texas

  • Chicago Flavas – Chicago, Illinois

  • China King – Eustis, Florida

  • China One – Jamaica, New York

  • China Palace – Lockhart, Texas

  • Choose and Mix Korean Hibachi Ramen – Worcester, Massachusetts

  • Chow N Joy – Somerville, Massachusetts

  • Comfort Foodies – Houston, Texas

  • Community Creamery – Chicago, Illinois

  • Copper Crown – Asheville, North Carolina

  • Cotton’s Place – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

  • Cowboys & Indians – Houston, Texas

  • D’Bali Asian Bistro – Airway Heights, Washington

  • Da Claudio – New York, New York

  • Dan’s Seafood & Wings – Houston, Texas

  • Ade In Your Life Eats – New York, New York

  • Do Eat Restaurant – San Francisco, California

  • Felicità Wine Company – Sacramento, California

  • Fig’s Corner – Los Angeles, California

  • Filly Luv – New York, New York

  • Flying Chicken Pa-Dak – Artesia, California

  • Fortuna Inn – South Lyon, Michigan

  • Fuleen Palace – Howard Beach, New York

  • General Tso’s Restaurant & Catering – Dunwoody, Georgia

  • Golden Dragon – Staten Island, New York

  • Goomo Tea Shop – Walnut, California

  • Grand Palace Restaurant – South San Francisco, California

  • Guieb Cafe – Aiea, Hawaii

  • Halalstreet Hot Pot – Newark, California

  • Hegewisch Nutrition – Chicago, Illinois

  • Henderson & Kane General Store – Houston, Texas

  • Hot Spots – Denton, Texas

  • Iced – Chicago, Illinois

  • Ichiban Sushi – San Bruno, California

  • J’s Chinese Cuisine – Pasadena, California

  • Jahunger Cambridge – Cambridge, Massachusetts

  • Jahunger Providence – Providence, Rhode Island

  • Kapitan – Chicago, Illinois

  • Koffeteria – Pearland, Texas

  • Kopitiam – New York, New York

  • La Braise African Grill – Springfield, New Jersey

  • Lady Chow Kitchen – New York, New York

  • Laos To Your House – Chicago, Illinois

  • Liz Modern Asian – Scottsdale, Arizona

  • Lovey Poke & Tea House – Newtown, Pennsylvania

  • Marrow Detroit Provisions – Detroit, Michigan

  • Master Shin Korean Plate – San Jose, California

  • Miso Ramen & Hibachi – Mineola, New York

  • Morning Glass Coffee – Honolulu, Hawaii

  • Myung Ga Tofu & BBQ – Closter, New Jersey

  • Nam Coffee – Los Angeles, California

  • Nan Noodle – Bellevue, Washington

  • New Hong Kong Bakery – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

  • NG Cafe – Austin, Texas

  • Noodle Hole – Marshall, North Carolina

  • Panda Chinese Restaurant – Hattiesburg, Mississippi

  • Parachute HiFi – Chicago, Illinois

  • Polombia – Chicago, Illinois

  • Ramsey Gourmet – Ramsey, New Jersey

  • Rang’s Cocina Moderne – Las Vegas, Nevada

  • Ranken Noodle House – Gaithersburg, Maryland

  • Rasoi Indian Kitchen – North Bay Village, Florida

  • Rising Sun Chinese Restaurant – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

  • Rock N’ Potato – Las Vegas, Nevada

  • Seoul Bap – Carson, California

  • Shuggie’s – San Francisco, California

  • Silver Lake Murayama Sushi – West Harrison, New York

  • Simply Khmer – Lowell, Massachusetts

  • Slurpin Ramen – Laredo, Texas

  • SugaBox – New York, New York

  • Sunday Press – Houston, Texas

  • Sushi Ryusei – New York, New York

  • Sweetie’s K-Chicken – Brooklyn, New York

  • Taiwan Cakery – Ithaca, New York

  • TeaMai Boba – Dracut, Massachusetts

  • Thai Spirit – Los Angeles, California

  • Thai Time – Murray, Utah

  • The Artisan Crepe – Fresh Meadows, New York

  • The Dram Shop Bar – Brooklyn, New York

  • The FIKA Spot – Waltham, Massachusetts

  • Tian Fu King – Flushing, New York

  • Tong Tong Korean Restaurant – Colorado Springs, Colorado

  • Uncle Tito – San Francisco, California

  • Victory Kitchen – Lake Lure, North Carolina

  • Whilma’s Filipino Restaurant – Searcy, Arkansas

  • Wok and Roll Chinese and Japanese Restaurant – Houston, Texas

  • Y’s Choice – Oakland, California

  • Yue Bai Wei – Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

  • Yunnan Garden – Hacienda Heights, California

To learn more about National ACE’s accelerator programs or to attend future sessions, which are open to all small business owners, visit nationalace.org.

Grubhub and New York State Latino Restaurant, Bar & Lounge Association Award $100,000 in Grants to Restaurateurs

The funding awarded by the 2025 Rising Restaurateur Grant will help empower Latino-owned food and beverage establishments in New York City 

On Tuesday, October 14, Grubhub and the New York State Latino Restaurant, Bar & Lounge Association (NYSLRBLA) named 10 restaurants from the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Queens as the recipients of the 2025 Rising Restaurateur Grant. Each restaurateur was awarded a $10,000 grant to reinvest back into their small business restaurant that can be used for business operations, staffing, equipment upgrades, marketing, or other critical needs.

“The New York State Latino Restaurant, Bar & Lounge Association is incredibly excited to celebrate the second year of our partnership with Grubhub. For our city’s small and minority-owned restaurants, the Rising Restaurateur grant program is a vital support that enables them to cover essential expenses, invest in growth, and foster innovation. This funding will provide our restaurants with the opportunity to better serve their communities and support positive change in our industry, creating a multiplier effect that will benefit all New Yorkers,” said Sandra Jaquez, president of the New York State Latino Restaurant, Bar & Lounge Association.

Grubhub and NYSLRBLA hosted an award ceremony at Mojitos Restaurant in Queens, where representatives of Grubhub and NYSLRBLA, offered remarks congratulating the local and independent restaurateurs who serve as the backbone of New York City’s local economy. 

Rising Restaurateur is a partnership between Grubhub, an online food delivery marketplace, and NYSLRBLA, a nonprofit organization founded to create opportunities for Latino and minority businesses to succeed in the food and beverage industry. 

“The 2025 Rising Restaurateur grant recipients, like the majority of the restaurants Grubhub serves, are small and medium-sized businesses that play a vital role in neighborhoods and communities across NYC,” said Joshua Bocian, Associate Director of Government Affairs at Grubhub. “At Grubhub, we’re committed to uplifting independent restaurants – they’re the heart of our communities – and it’s meaningful for us to help them grow and continue shaping the city’s diverse food scene.”

The complete list of the 2025 Rising Restaurateur grant recipients includes: 

  • The Bronx
    • Boca Restaurant and Steakhouse
    • El DF Mexican Patio
    • Leche y Miel Restaurant
    • Lena Trattoria
  • Brooklyn
    • Carro Café
    • Gustoso Restaurant
  • Manhattan
    • Isla Bonita
    • Tiny Tapas and Bites
  • Queens
    • Estrella Latina Bar and Grill
    • Riko Peruvian Cuisine (2 locations)

About Grubhub

Grubhub is a leading U.S. ordering and delivery marketplace dedicated to connecting customers with their favorite local restaurants, merchants and convenience retailers. Grubhub elevates online ordering through innovative restaurant technology, easy-to-use platforms, and an improved delivery experience. Part of Wonder Group, Grubhub features over 415,000 merchants in more than 4,000 U.S. cities.

About New York State Latino Restaurant, Bar & Lounge Association

The NYS Latino Restaurant, Bar & Lounge Association (“NYSLRBLA”) is a 501(c)6 non-profit organization founded for the purpose of helping Hispanic and minority businesses succeed in commerce and industry, particularly, that of the food and beverage industry. NYSLRBLA is one of the largest business organizations of its kind with over 350 restaurant members to date, ranging from individual Latino businessmen/women owning fast food establishments to gourmet larger restaurants to lounges and bars within the tri-state area.

Grubhub and National ACE to Award $485,000 in Grants Through Restaurant Accelerator and Community Fund Grant

Grubhub and the National Asian/Pacific Islander American Chamber of Commerce and Entrepreneurship (National ACE), are proud to announce the opening of applications for the 2025 Restaurant Accelerator and Community Fund Grant, a program made possible by grant support from the Grubhub Community Fund.

From October 1 to October 24, small, independent restaurants across the United States can apply for the chance to join a program designed to spark growth, innovation, and long-term success. Applicants who attend at least three of National ACE’s expert-led virtual Restaurant Accelerator sessions in November will be eligible to receive a $5,000 Community Fund Grant to invest directly in their business.

The program is open to U.S.-based small, for-profit restaurants that are currently operational and licensed in food preparation and service. While the grant is open to all eligible businesses, we encourage Asian American and Pacific Islander restaurateurs operating in economically disadvantaged areas to apply. For a full list of eligibility requirements, please visit: nationalace.org.

Important Dates

● Registration Opens: Oct 1, 2025

● Registration Deadline: Oct 24, 2025

● Virtual Accelerator Sessions: Nov 4, 12, 18 & 25, 2025

● Grant Recipients Announced: Nov 25, 2025

This partnership builds on the lasting impact of Grubhub and National ACE’s shared commitment to small business success. Through National ACE’s Small Business Fund, the organizations distributed $1.3 million in grants to 170 businesses in 2024 alone, providing critical support amid ongoing economic challenges. Since 2021, over $9 million in grants have empowered entrepreneurs in the communities that need it most – a testament to the strength and impact of this partnership.

“Independent restaurants are vital to the success of local economies,” said Brianna Morris, Associate Director of Community Impact at Grubhub. “By partnering with National ACE, we’re combining funding with hands-on training to help small businesses build resilience, expand their reach, and position themselves for long-term growth.”

Chiling Tong, President and CEO of National ACE, added: “Our collaboration with Grubhub demonstrates the power of partnership in driving economic growth. Together, we are equipping small business owners with both the capital and the expertise they need to scale, strengthen operations, and create lasting impact in their communities.”

Restaurant owners can learn more and apply at https://www.nationalace.org/2025-restaurant-accelerator-grant.

Grubhub Marks Hunger Action Month by Expanding Support to Combat Food Insecurity in Chicago and New York City

At Grubhub, closing the hunger gap is a key focus of our community impact efforts. Through the Grubhub Community Fund, we work to reduce food insecurity, recover and redirect food that would otherwise go to waste, and support the organizations leading this fight. 

This September, in recognition of Hunger Action Month, we deepened our impact in New York City and Chicago with volunteer events, matching grants, and ongoing support for the Food Bank for New York City and Greater Chicago Food Depository — two organizations that each partner with 800+ pantries and community groups to reach families in need. Together, more than 110 Grubhub employees packed over 20,000 pounds of food, and the Grubhub Community Fund amplified their efforts with $100,000 in matching grants across both cities.

“After years of partnering with the Food Bank for NYC and the Greater Chicago Food Depository during Hunger Action Month, I’m proud we continue to find new ways to strengthen these relationships and drive meaningful impact to combat food insecurity,” said Brianna Morris, associate director of community impact at Grubhub. “Launching employee volunteer days in both NYC and Chicago has been especially rewarding. It’s inspiring to see our team step into the community, lend a hand, and deepen their understanding of the difference this work makes to help close the hunger gap.” 

Across our offices, teams rolled up their sleeves for volunteer days that brought employees into the heart of the fight against food insecurity. In New York, employees gathered at Food Bank For NYC’s Distribution Center in the Bronx, and in Chicago, they headed to the Greater Chicago Food Depository headquarters — repacking food at both organizations. Together, these efforts helped ensure thousands of meals reached families, seniors, and individuals who needed them most.

“The Grubhub Community Fund plays a powerful role in fighting food insecurity,” said Leslie Gordon, President and CEO of Food Bank For NYC. “Their commitment to our mission and continued support of our member agency network is especially visible during Hunger Action Month but felt and appreciated by Food Bank For NYC and our clients every day.”

In addition to hands-on support, the Grubhub Community Fund provided $50,000 matching grants to both organizations — doubling last year’s support in Chicago and powering Food Bank For NYC’s September fundraising campaign. These funds helped strengthen programmatic and operational efforts like community outreach, prepared meals programs, and distribution to local shelters supporting newly arrived migrant families.

“We are deeply grateful for the ongoing support and partnership of Grubhub, particularly in this moment of heightened need,” said Kate Maehr, Executive Director and CEO of the Greater Chicago Food Depository. “The generous support from the Grubhub Community Fund is a true reflection of our shared commitment to uplifting local communities and ensuring that no neighbor goes hungry. Together, we are making a difference.”

With the support of the Grubhub Community Fund, we’re proud to stand alongside organizations like Food Bank for NYC and the Greater Chicago Food Depository as they lead the fight against hunger. Together, we’re taking meaningful action – through funding, partnership, and hands-on volunteerism – to help close the hunger gap in the communities we call home.

*The Grubhub Community Fund is a donor-advised fund at a national sponsoring organization. The Fund is funded by diner donations that come through our Donate the Change round-up feature within the Grubhub app and website. Grubhub matches contributions up to $4 million each year on eligible Grubhub+ orders.

Grubhub and Nourishing Hope Expand Partnership to Combat Food Insecurity Across Chicago

CHICAGO, IL –  Grubhub, a leading U.S. ordering and delivery marketplace, has expanded its partnership with Nourishing Hope, one of Chicago’s leading hunger relief and social service organizations, to support families facing food insecurity in some of the city’s most underserved neighborhoods.

Since 2021, Grubhub has been one of Nourishing Hope’s largest corporate partners, donating more than 150 hours of employee volunteer time and contributing over $1.15 million through the Grubhub Community Fund to support the organization’s expanding programs. The most recent Grubhub Community Fund grant, which supported the donation of a delivery truck, marks a significant investment in operational infrastructure that will accelerate the growth of Nourishing Hope’s Online Market program.

As part of this investment, the newly donated delivery truck will be on-site at the Chicago Cubs’ inaugural Oktoberfest, taking place September 19–21 at the Toyota Camry Lot in Wrigleyville. In partnership with the Cubs, Nourishing Hope will be collecting nonperishable food donations throughout the three-day event, with fans encouraged to drop off items at the Nourishing Hope tent.

“We’re honored to partner with Grubhub to bring greater food access to families across Chicago. This partnership helps us reach more people with not just food, but the support and consistency they deserve,” says Drew Moran, chief development officer of Nourishing Hope.

The truck will play a vital role in scaling the Online Market, a flexible and user-friendly grocery ordering platform that allows individuals and families to place orders online and pick them up at times and locations that are convenient for them. This expansion builds on foundational support from the Grubhub Community Fund, which provided a grant to Nourishing Hope for the Online Market program. With this new vehicle, Nourishing Hope will be able to expand to six new community partners this calendar year — particularly on Chicago’s South and West sides — and complete over 15,000 Online Market orders, representing nearly a 50% increase compared to the previous year.

This logistical capacity is key to ensuring timely, reliable food access as Nourishing Hope continues to expand into new neighborhoods. The Online Market program is designed to reduce barriers and meet people where they are, offering a dignified and dependable source of fresh, nutritious food.

We see here how when two mission-aligned organizations combine their strengths, it’s possible to create sustainable solutions to hunger. Together, Nourishing Hope and Grubhub are working to remove systemic barriers to nourishment and expand access across the city.

Since 2004, Grubhub has invested in the communities where it operates, with a focus on its hometown of Chicago, to successfully scale community impact efforts and partnerships while making strategic investments to help neighbors thrive.

“We’re proud to deepen our partnership with Nourishing Hope by providing the vehicle support needed to expand their Online Market program. This investment is about more than transportation — it’s about ensuring families across Chicago, especially on the South and West Sides, have reliable access to fresh, nutritious food. At Grubhub, we’re committed to tackling food insecurity with solutions that deliver access, stability, and lasting community impact,” said Brianna Morris, associate director of community impact, Grubhub.

About Grubhub

Grubhub is a leading U.S. ordering and delivery marketplace dedicated to connecting customers with their favorite local restaurants, merchants and convenience retailers. Grubhub elevates online ordering through innovative restaurant technology, easy-to-use platforms, and an improved delivery experience. Part of Wonder Group, Grubhub features over 415,000 merchants in more than 4,000 U.S. cities.

About Nourishing Hope

Nourishing Hope is one of the largest and longest-operating hunger relief organizations in Chicago, providing the equivalent of more than 4.5 million meals annually. Serving with dignity and respect, the organization’s mission is Nourishing Hope through food, mental health and social services so that all neighbors can thrive. Through walk-in food pantries, online ordering, home delivery, and health-focused partnerships, Nourishing Hope removes barriers to support services — providing food for today, and hope for tomorrow.

 

Chicago’s Restaurant Resilience: Grubhub Honors 31 Pandemic-Born Businesses That Beat the Odds

Despite the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic, Chicago entrepreneurs across the city took a leap of faith, opening their restaurant doors during the 2020 lockdown. Today, Grubhub is proud to recognize 31 resilient business owners through the Established 2020 program, honoring those who reached their five-year milestone in 2025.

Take, for instance, Afro Joe’s Coffee & Tea in Beverly. Husband and wife duo, Kendall and Aisha Griffin opened their doors amidst unprecedented challenges but quickly became a neighborhood hub, not just for coffee but for community. Or consider CheSa’s Bistro & Bar in Avondale, owner Chesaree Rollins brought authentic Creole flavors – all gluten-free – to the city during a time when comfort food was needed more than ever. These are only a couple of the stories that highlight the spirit of Chicago’s restaurant scene, and it’s these stories that Grubhub wants to celebrate through Established 2020.

The initiative recognizes 31 small business restaurants from 25 different neighborhoods across Chicago. Each of these independent restaurants launched during a period of immense uncertainty but demonstrated remarkable strength and determination. The honorees reflect Chicago’s rich cultural diversity, with many being women-, minority-, and family-owned businesses. They contribute to the city’s vibrant food scene with cuisines ranging from Thai and Indian to Latin American and modern American.

“Our Established 2020 honorees capture what makes Chicago’s restaurant scene so special — hardworking, community-focused, and full of heart,” said Lisa Belot, Director of Corporate Affairs at Grubhub. “This program is our way of saying thank you to the entrepreneurs who took a big risk during the pandemic and created something meaningful. We’re proud to support them and celebrate how they’re helping shape the city’s food culture. Their stories show that resilience isn’t just about getting through tough times — it’s about building something even stronger.”

As part of the award, Grubhub provided over $80,000 in critical funding to support the continued growth of these restaurants. Award recipients plan to reinvest in their operations by hiring more staff, upgrading kitchen equipment, refreshing dining spaces, and expanding marketing efforts.

From Bronzeville’s Dirty Tiff’s Cafe to Uptown’s Thai Pastry Restaurant, the Established 2020 honorees have become cultural and community pillars. The full list of Established 2020 Award restaurant recipients includes:

To honor their perseverance and celebrate their impact, Grubhub will host a private celebration for our Established 2020 honorees on Tuesday, June 3rd, in Chicago. The event will bring together honorees to share their unique stories and celebrate the promising futures they are creating.

These are the businesses that didn’t just survive. They thrived, becoming essential parts of their neighborhoods and the very fabric of Chicago’s vibrant food culture.

Grubhub’s Expanding Impact Partnerships Champion Local Restaurant Businesses and Their Teams

Grubhub’s commitment to independent restaurants extends far beyond facilitating deliveries. We view these businesses as the very foundation of our success. And, we recognize the significant role the U.S. restaurant industry plays as the nation’s second-largest private employer, providing livelihoods for over 12 million people. Beneath the vibrant culinary landscape, however, lie very real challenges. Thin margins pressure restaurant operators and frontline workers face limited pathways for economic advancement, with just four percent advancing to entry-level corporate jobs and receiving the accompanying wage and experiencing growth.

This understanding fuels our year-round impact focus on supporting independent restaurants. During Small Business Month, our efforts intensified as we engaged in a series of strategic initiatives designed to bolster the thousands of independent restaurants that power our platform while simultaneously cultivating greater opportunity within the broader hospitality sector.

Grubhub is a proud founding supporter of MORE, a first-of-its-kind coalition focused on building a thriving, equitable, and enduring restaurant industry. By uniting around this common goal with other organizations, including The James Beard Foundation, Regarding Her Food, and Women In Hospitality United, we are accelerating collective impact, driving innovative solutions, and advancing economic mobility across the restaurant industry. MORE’s vision is to replicate and scale successful regional programs focused on culinary training, upskilling and career development programs, and initiatives removing barriers to entry for marginalized communities.

“Grubhub’s early support of our mission, continued partnership, and commitment to impact has been transformational for our work,” said Elizabeth Murray, Co-founder, MORE. “Together we’ve built a collaborative network across a diverse group of organizations, unlocking new opportunities for shared learning, creative partnerships, and expanded programming. Moving forward, MORE will continue to leverage our combined resources to deliver solutions that meet multiple, intersecting needs and drive enormous social and economic impact for all our stakeholders – workers, operators, employers, and the communities they serve.” 

Since 2022, the Grubhub Community Fund has worked closely with Women in Hospitality United and other founding partners on the development and launch of the MORE Coalition since 2022. Today, the Grubhub Community Fund continues to support MORE’s coalition launch and public awareness efforts. 

Our commitment to empowering restaurant entrepreneurs extends to our partnership with Feed the Soul. With grant support from the Grubhub Community Fund, we’ve helped enable the launch of the Culinary Business Network (CBN), a new digital platform designed to provide on-demand, educational resources to food entrepreneurs across the country, with grant support from the Grubhub Community Fund. For less than $1 a day, restaurants and caterers will have access to business development resources, including how to grow your customer base, streamline operations, grow your revenue, stay ahead of industry trends, and more. The CBN is designed to meet entrepreneurs where they are, providing the resources they need to scale their businesses effectively.

“For the past five years, the Grubhub Community Fund has been more than a supporter of Feed the Soul Foundation; they have been a true partner,” said Juana Collins, Executive Director, Feed the Soul Foundation. “We are excited to collaborate with Grubhub on our new Culinary Business Network digital platform, a space designed to help businesses connect, share ideas, and access valuable resources to grow and succeed. This partnership is about more than funding; it’s about building a stronger future for the culinary industry.”

Partnering with Feed the Soul for the last five years, the Grubhub Community Fund has distributed more than $1.2 million to local restaurants across the country, and our more recent support of the development of the Culinary Business Network will allow us to continue to help small business restaurants in their growth journey. 

Through our partnership with The Hatchery Chicago, the Grubhub Community Fund has helped power its Incubation Cohort. This six-month program is meant to help early-stage entrepreneurs developing a consumer-packaged goods (CPG) brand – including snacks, beverages, baked goods, catering company, meal delivery, or food truck – launch their business. The latest cohort engaged in monthly sessions covering essential food and beverage business strategies complemented by hands-on exercises with helpful templates and resources to deepen their learning. The program wrapped with a pitch and sampling event for guests at The Hatchery, where participants celebrated their program graduation and journey of turning their business concepts into reality. 

Since 2023, the Grubhub Community Fund’s support has enabled scholarships to Chicago’s West Side residents participating in The Hatchery’s programs. Additionally, we support The Hatchery’s efforts to develop and provide educational resources for restaurateurs, and help entrepreneurs solidify their business plans and complete all required licensing to launch and scale their restaurants. 

Beyond these strategic impact partnerships, we remain committed to supporting local restaurants through our day-to-day operations. In NYC, we recently brought back the $1 Cheese Slice as a part of our Seamless brand relaunch, helping drive awareness, recognition, and foot traffic to more than 40 local pizzerias across the city’s five boroughs participating in the pick-up only campaign. In Chicago, we launched Established 2020, a new award program to honor the local restaurants that opened their doors in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic and defied the odds to remain open today. 

Through our operational initiatives and strategic impact partnerships, Grubhub will continue showing up for our independent restaurant partners. We believe in the power of a vibrant hospitality industry and will continue to support its growth and prosperity for years to come.

Grubhub Champions Hometown Restaurants’ 5-Year Triumph Over Pandemic Adversity

New “Established 2020” Award Will Support Long-Term Success for Class of Chicago Restaurants that Opened During COVID-19 Shutdown

Opening a restaurant under normal circumstances is notoriously difficult, but those who did so in 2020 faced unprecedented challenges as they navigated closed dining rooms, ever-changing health protocols, and more. To honor restaurateurs who defied the odds during the COVID-19 pandemic, Grubhub is launching Established 2020, a new award program for small-business Chicago restaurants celebrating five years of success in 2025.

Eighty percent* of new restaurants close within five years, and in 2020, closures spiked 95 percent** above the annual average. Many restaurants that opened in 2020 were ineligible for state and federal pandemic relief funds, as it often required proof of business impact from previous years.

Despite the odds, a select group of restaurateurs persevered, bringing their culinary visions to life. Their resilience not only shaped their success but also made a lasting impact on Chicago’s food scene. Established 2020 is here to celebrate these small businesses and continue supporting the amazing restaurants that define the city’s diverse culinary culture. 

Starting today, Grubhub is accepting applications for its Established 2020 Award to recognize its hometown restaurants’ commitment to serving delicious food to their local community. All small business restaurant owners in Chicago who opened their first brick-and-mortar location in 2020 and are still open today are eligible to receive a monetary award to invest back into their small business. Applications for the award program are currently open through Friday, April 18, 2025 and will be awarded at an in-person event in June 2025.

Learn more and apply here.*** 

“Chicago’s restaurant owners are some of the toughest, most persistent people out there, and the ones who opened in 2020 have grit and tenacity like no other,” said Isabel Perman, Director, Client Success at Grubhub. “They didn’t just survive—they built something lasting. We’re so pleased to have been a part of their incredible journey over the past five years and look forward to continuing to grow these partnerships for years to come.” 

Grubhub played a crucial role for restaurants in 2020 by helping many owners rethink their businesses overnight as they quickly transitioned from having a purely dine-in model to leveraging online ordering and delivery systems. Grubhub also reduced certain diner fees, boosted marketing, and provided delivery solutions to help restaurants serve their communities. Delivery orders in Chicago surged 98 percent from 2019 to 2020, and Grubhub was there to help ensure restaurants had the support they needed to keep their doors open to serve their communities. 

At the onset of the pandemic, Grubhub also established the Grubhub Community Fund (GCF) to support communities and restaurants impacted by the pandemic. Since 2020, the GCF has given more than $35 million directly to small-business restaurants across the country. 

Restaurants like Logan Square’s KFire and Greater Grand Crossing’s Doughboy’s Chicago overcame the challenges of opening during the COVID-19 shutdown and embody the resilience this award celebrates. Both have already been recognized with Grubhub’s Established 2020 Award for their perseverance and lasting contributions to Chicago’s vibrant food scene.

“The pandemic threw every obstacle our way but giving up was never an option. We poured everything into making our dream a reality, even when the odds were stacked against us,” said Ben Kim, Co-owner at KFire. “Grubhub gave us the tools to keep serving our food and growing our business at a time when every order mattered. Without their help, KFire probably wouldn’t exist today.” 

“Community has always been a core value of Doughboy’s Chicago. When the pandemic hit, we weren’t just adapting every day to keep our business going—we were finding ways to feed the people who relied on us. Launching during such a difficult time forced us to get creative, and Grubhub helped us stay connected with our neighbors.” said Nicole Fryison, Co-owner at Doughboy’s Chicago. “Fast-forward five years, we’re still here, still grinding, and still rooted in the community that was with us from day one.” 

Chicago’s restaurant scene is stronger because of the grit, determination, and creativity of the chefs, owners, and staff that bring the industry to life. Through the Established 2020 Award, Grubhub is proud to recognize small business restaurants celebrating their five-year milestone. This moment will continue strengthening existing relationships and build new partnerships with hometown restaurants to support their long-term success.

About Grubhub  

Grubhub is a leading U.S. ordering and delivery marketplace dedicated to connecting customers with their favorite local restaurants, merchants and convenience retailers. Grubhub elevates online ordering through innovative restaurant technology, easy-to-use platforms, and an improved delivery experience. Part of Wonder Group, Grubhub features 375,000 merchants in over 4,000 U.S. cities. 

References

* “The No. 1 thing to consider before opening a restaurant.” CNBC Make It, March 15, 2016 https://www.cnbc.com/2016/01/20/heres-the-real-reason-why-most-restaurants-fail.html.

** “Here’s How Many Restaurants Closed During the Pandemic.” The Washington Post, June, 21 2022 https://www.washingtonpost.com/food/2022/06/21/covid-restaurant-closures/.

***Must be 18+ and legal U.S. resident to enter. Participation in the Established 2020 Award program is subject to an entrant’s compliance with all contest rules and terms, subject to Grubhub’s verification. Grubhub partnership is not required to participate or win. See official rules here.