A major product staple in restaurant kitchens across the country, London, Ontario based-spice & seasoning brand Club House For Chefs has had a consistent presence complete with a voice of support for operators and the Canadian foodservice community throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
Now, alongside the rest of the team at McCormick Canada, they’re taking their support one step further into their own backyard with the sponsorship of the London-Middlesex Restaurant Support Fund – created in partnership with Pillar Nonprofit Network, the Middlesex London Food Policy Council, rTraction and the Western Fair District. Through this initiative, pandemic-affected restaurateurs can apply for grants up to $1,000 to help reverse any negative effects on their business(es).
“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 Club House for Chefs. “Amidst the pandemic, restaurateurs are struggling, and we’ve been trying to help them get back on their feet with solutions geared for takeout. Even as restaurants are reopening, it’s not a return to normal business as they 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.”
At the time of writing, funds have been distributed among 27 restaurants in the London area so far, many of whom are using the funds for the costly sanitary supplies now required to keep restaurants and their staff safe, healthy and running.
Round one winners included The Morrissey House, Rusty Wrench Brewing Co, The Green Window, Locomotive Espresso, Milos Craft Beer Emporium, Globally Local, Cafe Artiste and others.
“We have a lot of additional expenses now, from hand sanitizers to masks, gloves, signs and directional stickers. We spend thousands of dollars a month on supplies and that is what we will use this for. It will help,” Rob Szabo, owner of Palasad and recipient of one of the grants, told London Free Press.
Interested organizations are invited to keep the support flowing by making contributions to the fund by cheque, EFT or wire transfer here. 100% of all donations will go directly to selected applicants.