The US restaurant community is mobilizing in the wake of restaurant closures, penning op-eds, spreading petitions, forming advocacy groups, and hashing it out on social media with these tags #toosmalltofail and #saverestaurants.
One of the main champions behind the growing movement of concerned chefs, restaurateurs, and hospitality leaders is the culinary non-profit, the James Beard Foundation.
“We know that swift action is needed to ensure there is a vibrant culinary and beverage community still standing once we are on the other side of this pandemic,” wrote the foundation on its website.
Last week, the foundation launched an emergency relief fund for those most affected in the food and beverage industry: independent businesses. Several sponsors made donations to the fund, among them, Oatly, White Claw Hard Seltzer, Patrón Tequila, and San Pellegrino.
Few organizations have a legacy like the James Beard Foundation whose guiding mission is to “celebrate, nurture and honor chefs and other leaders.” Since 1986, they have hosted chef dinners, honored restaurants, and produced education programs with international collaborators. San Pellegrino, one of their founding sponsors, has earned a similar reputation for its elevation of talented chefs from across the world.
The Italian brand recognized the importance of assisting America’s small restaurants right now. “For over 120 years, San Pellegrino has been a part of the restaurant community,” said Executive Yumi Clevenger-Lee. “That is why we are supporting the James Beard Foundation Relief Fund in an effort to aid U.S. based independent restaurants in their time of need.”
An application with grant eligibility will be kicked-off soon, said the foundation, but fundraising efforts are already underway. Donations can be made at jamesbeard.org/relief.