Twenty-Seven Area Eateries Get $1,000 Each in First Round of Grants from New London-Middlesex Restaurant Support Fund

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Twenty-Seven Area Eateries Get $1,000 Each in First Round of Grants from New London-Middlesex Restaurant Support Fund
Businesses and nonprofits team up and serve up relief to area restaurateurs 

LONDON, ON. Aug. 24, 2020 – The new London-Middlesex Restaurant Support Fund has announced that 27 area eateries – 21 in London and 6 in surrounding Middlesex County – have each been awarded $1,000 grants to help with the costs of opening or staying open amidst the pandemic with more grants to come this week. 

The fund offers $1,000 grants to qualifying London-Middlesex-based, independent operators of restaurants and bars in need of financial assistance as they adapt their businesses in order to reopen safely. Restaurateurs can check for eligibility and apply for the grants at lmrsf.ca.

A collaborative of local businesses and nonprofits, the fund was seeded by London enterprise Club House for Chefs and McCormick Canada with a $30,000 contribution and is operated by project partners Middlesex London Food Policy Council, Pillar Nonprofit Network, rTraction, and Western Fair District. 

With promotional support coming from Visit Middlesex, and all other costs covered by the project partners, 100% of any contributions received go directly to operators in need. After learning early about the initiative, Libro Credit Union was the first company to jump aboard, pledging $2,000 even before the portal opened. Companies and individuals who wish to contribute can visit www.lmrsf.ca for more information and show their support using #LMXRestoSupport. 

Applications opened on August 13th, and there were 27 applicants in the first three days. The applications are adjudicated by a committee of the Middlesex London Food Policy Council and there will be a second round of grants announced after the committee meets again this week. Grant applications are time-stamped and will be fulfilled on a rolling basis until the funds are exhausted. The Council is also launching a blog series this week with stories about the project partners and grant recipients, the first post spotlighting project catalyst McCormick Canada.

“We’re proud to have been a part of this community for more than 137 years and we know restaurants are an integral part of the fabric of our community,” said Anna Stolee, Senior Director of Sales and Marketing at McCormick Canada. “Amidst the pandemic, restaurateurs are struggling, and we want to help them get back on their feet. Even as restaurants are reopening, it’s not a return to normal business as operators face increased costs to maintain safe operations on already slim margins. We know there’s a long road ahead, but we hope this fund can help alleviate some of that burden.”

Paul Seale, Membership Engagement Manager at Pillar Nonprofit Network is a former restaurateur himself and notes that, “Cash flow is a constant challenge in restaurants at the best of times, so there’s no restaurateur who couldn’t use $1,000 toward the extra costs of doing business during a pandemic. At the same time, we really value restaurants in our communities -- as part of a vibrant cultural scene, as family-owned businesses and employers, and as community hubs. Connecting nonprofits, businesses, and governments to collaborate toward community solutions is one of Pillar’s core activities, so we’re glad to help make this happen.”

Restaurants awarded grants in the first round include 21 in London and 6 in wider Middlesex County (County locations indicated in parentheses):

1. The Morrissey House
2. The Green Window
3. Locomotive Espresso
4. James’ Place Restaurant
5. The Tea Lounge
6. MJ’s Roadhouse (Lucan)
7. Curley Brewing Company
8. Palasad Billiards Limited
9. Rusty Wrench Brewing Co (Strathroy)
10. Grace Restaurant
11. Milos Craft Beer Emporium
12. Eat.OA!
13. Willie's Cafe
14. Momo's at the Market
15. Blackfriars Bistro
16. The Village Teapot (Ilderton)
17. The Gourmet Deli
18. Cafe Artiste
19. Village Pantry Restaurant
20. Sidetrack: A Wortley Café
21. Grad Club
22. The Mill Pond Tap and Grill (Dorchester)
23. Zen'za Pizzeria
24. Globally Local
25. Thorndale Family Restaurant (Thorndale)
26. Malibu restaurant
27. Salt & Peppers (Strathroy)