The pandemic forced many of our local, smaller restaurants to let go of staff to stay afloat; or close altogether. Today, as San Diego’s economy begins to reopen fully, a local restaurant, Flavors of East Africa, has received a much-needed boost, thanks to a grant provided by The California Restaurant Foundation (CRF) ’s Resilience Fund. And our company is proud to have supported the funding through shareholder contributions.

Flavors of East Africa is one of 77 local eateries receiving grants from the Resilience Fund. The CRF formed this fund to support California’s independent restaurants – many owned by women and people of color that have been hit hard by the pandemic. Grants of up to $2,000 totaling $200,000 were distributed to area restaurants that applied for financial support.

Our company representatives, including Todd Cahill, our director of customer care, visited Flavors of East Africa and representatives from the CRF to present the owners with a ceremonial check to celebrate and highlight the restaurant, - which was founded by an immigrant family from Kenya. Like so many local restaurants, once the pandemic hit, sales plummeted at Flavors of East Africa.

It was a struggle to stay open and retain employees during the pandemic. With the grant, the owners now have more breathing room to catch up on bills. Things are looking up for the restaurant as the economy rebounds and patrons return.

Local grant winners also will receive a one-year California Restaurant Association membership, which includes various discounts and services. Services include how to market a restaurant, refreshing menu offerings and finding and retaining employees. It also has free legal advice and discounts on workers’ compensation, training, healthcare plans and peer-to-peer connections with local restaurant operations.