Grubhub grant program targets small restaurant owners looking to grow their businesses

Grubhub Inc. opened its grant program 2023 for small restaurant owners who are looking to expand and grow their business.

The Restaurant Strong Fund will distribute $1,25 million worth of grants, ranging between $5,000 and $25,000. Restaurant owners in Chicago and New York can take advantage of the program which offers free business consultations for an entire year.

Lisa Belot is the director of brand reputation at Chicago-based Grubhub. She said that these cities are Grubhub's priority markets. As businesses recovered from the pandemic restaurants faced problems such as staffing and increased online ordering. This is why I'm glad we launched this grant program in 2020, as for many small restaurant owners it's a lifeline.

Belot reported that 29 recipients of grants received funding in 2022 included two from Chicago.

Taylor Mason, a local business owner, received a grant of $10,000. Taylor Mason opened her first brick and mortar location of Taylor's Tacos at 1512 W. Taylor St., in Chicago's Near West Side neighbourhood in March. The space is 1,100 square feet.

Mason, who founded her business with Maya, plans to open additional locations on the West Side, in Atlanta, Los Angeles and Las Vegas, Detroit, Phoenix and Phoenix in the next 3 to 5 years.

Mason added that he was also looking at franchise opportunities for Taylor Taco to expand. Mason said, 'But I just want to finish this year. Then we'll see what happens.'

The Masons run a catering company and Taylored at 2451 S. Oakley Boulevard, a 1,700 square foot event venue. in Pilsen.

Mason said that it took $100,000 to open the location but he only invested $40,000 as equity. Some people might think that $10,000 is not much money, but for a small-business owner every penny matters.