STATEWIDE – Kitchen equipment, technology upgrades and unforeseen hardships are some of the reasons restaurant owners can apply for California Restaurant Foundation’s $5,000 grant. The foundation says the grant, due May 7, is a relief fund for burger joints, taquerias, bakeries, and more at the heart of our communities. 

The foundation has awarded Restaurants Care Resilience Fund grants to 788 independent restaurants throughout California. 

In 2022, the foundation found that 49% used the grant for kitchen upgrades and 51% used the grant for retention bonuses. In addition, they provided grants to 13 restaurants in San Bernardino County.

“Many of these restaurants represent family legacies and life-long dreams. The average time in business is 9.7 years, with nearly 80 restaurants operating for more than two decades,” says a statement on the Restaurant Cares website.

For 2023, the foundation anticipates to help an additional 366 restaurants through a Spring and Fall application period. 

To qualify for a grant the restaurant must:

• Be located in California and owned by a California resident;
• Be an independent restaurant (not part of a large chain or franchise);
• Have no more than 5 units;
• Have under $3 million in annual revenue (combined revenue for all units/concepts);
• Have been open for at least one full year.
• Other conditions may apply.

SoCalGas, Pacific Gas and Electric, and San Diego Gas and Electric partners with the California Restaurant Foundation to provide funding for the program. 

RELATED: 32 small business grants to apply for in 2023

The foundation also provides a relief fund for food and beverage workers. Service workers that have experienced an unforeseen hardship can apply for a grant for up to $2,500.

The Restaurants Care Resilience Fund Spring application is open now through May 7, 2023.

For more information visit https://craf.communityforce.com/Funds/FundDetails.aspx?496F49596D593768464E3537506B6F754D5442315A36383134622F46646C4F5668496B3947534B6C6C715272486568356452614D444972676F5762535169633370772F4D305750706C42513D