The Steady March Back: City Hosts ‘Restaurant Resilience Pop-Up’ for Local Eateries Affected by Recent Fires

The area’s long but steady recovery march following the Eaton Fire got a boost Tuesday from the City of Pasadena’s Economic Development Division’s  “Restaurant Resilience Pop-Up” event at Cafe Santorini in Old Pasadena, providing restaurant owners with resources to help them recover from the disaster.

Lizzie Okoro-Davidson, director of the Pasadena Women’s Business Center, explained the importance of such collaborations in helping small businesses recover.

“We’ve had a great partnership with the Pasadena Economic Development Division, and we’ve been receiving feedback from several organizations, including the SBA,” Davidson said.

“It’s crucial for small businesses, especially in the restaurant sector, to have access to resources that can help them navigate the challenges they face in the wake of the fires,” Davidson added.

The free event, organized in partnership with the Pasadena Small Business Development Center (SBDC), Pasadena Women’s Business Center (WBC), U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), and the Foothill Workforce Development Board (FWDB), drew nearly two dozen local restaurant operators attracted by the opportunity to meet with industry experts in one-on-one advising sessions.

“One of the biggest challenges we hear about today is access to capital,” Davidson noted. “For any business, whether you’re in the restaurant industry or not, if you don’t have the financial resources, you won’t survive.”

With an estimated 700-plus restaurants in Pasadena, the event focused on addressing the unique challenges faced by local eateries, including marketing strategies and access to capital.

“Some businesses just wanted to come in and meet others, share experiences, and hear from the experts,” Davidson said. “The feedback we received was overwhelmingly positive, and lots of them were grateful for a space to connect with the community and access resources to help them recover.”

The event also highlighted the need for marketing assistance, she said.

“It’s not just about having a great restaurant; it’s about making sure people know about it,” Davidson added. “That’s why we brought in industry experts for guidance on effective marketing strategies and how to reach customers.”

“We’ve been in business for 17 years, and I’m always looking for ways to grow and improve,” said Luciano Alcorta, owner of Malbec Argentinian Cuisine. “But the SBA process can be challenging. There’s a lot of pressure, especially when you’re trying to expand or secure financing. The banks and the SBA take high risks, and there’s a lot of stress involved. I think there should be more flexibility in the options available for restaurant owners.”

Alcorta recommended the event to other business owners, saying, “I think it’s great that events like this are happening. It’s helpful to have experts available to answer questions, provide advice, and guide us through the recovery process.”

The Restaurant Resilience Pop-Up event is part of an ongoing effort by the City of Pasadena to support local businesses following the Eaton fire disaster.

In January 2025, a citywide business impact survey revealed that many local businesses were struggling and needed expert advice to navigate the aftermath of the disaster. The results of the survey highlighted the need for such events, which continue to provide tailored support for businesses in need.

Davidson encouraged business owners to take advantage of the free services available through the Pasadena Women’s Business Center and its partners.

“We want to continue to offer these resources, whether it’s through one-on-one advising or our seminars,” she said. “All of our services are free, and we encourage business owners to visit our centers or sign up on our website for personalized support.”

More information on Eaton Fire business recovery resources is available at Pasadena’s Economic Development Division website.