Pasadena restaurants impacted by the recent Los Angeles wildfires can now apply for financial assistance through the LA Fire Recovery Grants program, a $2.4 million initiative launched by the California Restaurant Foundation (CRF).
The program will provide $10,000 grants to more than 240 independent restaurants and food trucks across Los Angeles County to help cover essential business expenses and recover from financial losses caused by the wildfires. The effort is made possible by a $2 million catalyst lead donation from American Express and Resy, with additional support from FireAid and Postmates.
“This year, we are proud to stand with Los Angeles’ restaurant community by launching the LA Fire Recovery Grants, a vital new initiative dedicated to supporting independent restaurant owners impacted by the heartbreaking wildfires,” said Alycia Harshfield, President of CRF.
Applications are open from April 9 to April 26, 2025. Eligible restaurants may have up to five locations, but only one location per business can apply. The applying location must generate less than $5 million in annual revenue and must either be currently open or have plans to reopen by July 1, 2025.
Since the fires began, Restaurants Care—a program of CRF—has provided $953,000 in aid to 953 individuals, including restaurant workers who lost housing, jobs, and financial stability. Among those assisted, 34% have children and 16% have permanently lost their jobs. Restaurants Care has a long history of supporting California’s restaurant community through crises like COVID-19 and Hollywood strikes.
“Small businesses have faced persistent challenges due to natural disasters, and we have supported them at each stage of recovery,” said Jennifer Skyler, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer at American Express. “From immediate assistance to ongoing rebuilding efforts, our goal is to back these small businesses every step of the way.”
Restaurant patrons can also support the recovery effort through Resy’s “Reservations for Recovery” initiative from April 9 to April 23. Resy will donate $0.50 per completed reservation—up to $125,000—to The National Restaurant Association’s Educational Fund to benefit restaurants impacted by the wildfires. Terms Apply.
“Restaurants were some of the very first to step up and help their community when the fires started in Los Angeles,” said Resy Chief Marketing Officer Hannah Kelly. “We hope diners are encouraged to show up for their favorite restaurants as they rebuild.”
More information about the grants and application process can be found at www.restaurantscare.org/
The CRF is accepting additional support from corporations, foundations, and individuals who want to invest in California’s restaurant community. Donations can be made at www.restaurantscare.org.
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