DoorDash recently announced its support for 20 small businesses in the Los Angeles area through its Restaurant Disaster Relief Fund, awarding $10,000 grants to each recipient impacted by the devastating January wildfires.
The grant celebration was held at the former location of Amara Kitchen, a notable café in Altadena that was destroyed by the Eaton fire.
The event brought together local restaurant owners, community members, and civic leaders, highlighting the resilience and determination of LA’s culinary entrepreneurs.
Funded by DoorDash and supported by partner Hello Alice, the Restaurant Disaster Relief Fund aims to provide immediate financial assistance to restaurants impacted by the recent wildfires.
These grants will help restaurant owners address essential expenses such as rent, equipment replacement, inventory, and payroll, enabling them to navigate the challenging path ahead in their recovery.
Paola Guasp, owner of the now-demolished Amara Kitchen, reflected on the loss: “When we lost Amara Kitchen to the fire, we lost more than just a building—we lost a gathering space, memories, and a part of our identity.”
Guasp expressed a mix of heartbreak and gratitude, stating that the support from DoorDash instills hope and encourages the start of her journey to rebuild her business.
Local restaurant owners shared heartfelt stories of their experiences with loss and the ongoing journey of recovery, showcasing the impact of the January wildfires on their operations and the surrounding communities.
From family-run cafes to established community staples, these small businesses emphasized their commitment to not only rebuild but also to reimagine their establishments for the future.
The unified goal among them was clear: to recover stronger, continue serving their communities, and uplift their neighbors.
Judy Matthews, president of the Altadena Chamber of Commerce, acknowledged the vital role local restaurants play in the community, stating, “Local restaurants are the beating heart of Altadena and neighborhoods across Los Angeles. They nourish us, employ us, and reflect the incredible diversity of our region.”
She expressed her gratitude to DoorDash for its support during this challenging time and affirmed her pride in standing with the resilient entrepreneurs who are not only reconstructing their businesses but also rejuvenating the communities they serve.
DoorDash’s Restaurant Disaster Relief Fund is dedicated to assisting restaurants affected by natural disasters, severe weather, or major infrastructure failures by providing crucial financial support via grants.
Since its inception in 2021, the Fund has granted over $2.5 million to more than 250 local restaurants nationwide that have been affected by various natural disasters.
The recent grants provided to Los Angeles restaurants further illustrate DoorDash’s ongoing commitment to supporting local businesses as they recover from the impacts of the January wildfires.
Maggie Polachek, DoorDash’s Social Impact Manager, affirmed the company’s dedication, stating, “DoorDash’s mission is to empower local economies. Restaurants are the backbone of our communities, and when disaster strikes, we’re committed to standing by them through recovery.”
These grants signify DoorDash’s ongoing support for Los Angeles business owners as they strive to restore their operations, rebuild their livelihoods, and strengthen their communities.
image source from：https://lasentinel.net/doordash-distributes-200000-in-grants-to-local-restaurants-impacted-by-l-a-wildfires.html
