The Independent Restaurant Coalition (IRC) and Chase have announced a multi-year partnership aimed at supporting independent restaurants and bars across the United States. The collaboration will distribute $4 million in grants this year through two new programs: the IRC and Chase Disaster Relief Fund, and the IRC and Chase Innovator Awards.
Applications for the Innovator Awards opened today, offering $1 million in funding to independent restaurants and bars that demonstrate innovative business practices and positive community impact. These awards focus on areas such as sustainability, use of local products, and employee well-being. Applications are open until August 27, with recipients to be announced in October.
On September 3, applications will open for the Disaster Relief Fund, which will provide $3 million in grants to independently owned food businesses recovering from natural disasters like hurricanes, wildfires, tornadoes, ice storms, and flooding. Recent events highlight the need for such support: Southern California wildfires in 2025 caused significant revenue losses for Malibu businesses due to fire damage and road closures (https://www.cbsnews.com/losangeles/news/malibu-businesses-face-major-losses-after-palisades-fire/#:~:text=A%20month%20after%20the%20fires%2C,of%20their%20revenue), Midwest tornadoes in 2024-2025 led to tens of millions of dollars in damages including $12.2 million from a single Iowa tornado (https://www.weareiowa.com/article/weather/severe-weather/minden-iowa-tornado-damage-fema-disaster-proclamation-cleanup/524-27ff0194-91ec-4cf2-8db5-5f5d961f8788), and North Carolina hurricanes in 2024 resulted in widespread closures and water shortages for Asheville businesses (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/nov/12/asheville-north-carolina-restaurants-losing-workers-after-hurricane#:~:text=“The%20fact%20that%20our%20building,”).
Bobby Stuckey, Partner and Master Sommelier of Frasca Hospitality Group and IRC co-founder, said: “Restaurants are often among the first in their communities to lend a hand. Thanks to Chase, we can finally do something to help businesses who have sacrificed so much for their neighbors. Independent restaurants support first responders, feed the hungry, and support other businesses in the communities they serve. Chase understands that, which is why we are proud to collaborate with them on programming that advances the work of these vital businesses and helps educate the public on their importance.”
Independent restaurants make up about 69 percent of the U.S. restaurant industry (https://datassential.com/resource/independent-restaurant-landscape-us-canada/) but operate on slim pre-tax profit margins between three and five percent (https://restaurant.org/research-and-media/research/inflation/). Many face increasing financial pressure; according to FEMA estimates (https://www.ready.gov/sites/default/files/2020-04/ready_business_hurricane-toolkit.pdf), forty percent of small businesses never reopen after a disaster, with an additional twenty-five percent closing within a year.
Erika Polmar, Executive Director of the Independent Restaurant Coalition stated: “It is an honor to support the people who make our communities stronger every day. Independent restaurants and bars are first jobs and second chances—the place where people gather, celebrate, and find comfort—and the people behind them are often the first to show up when their neighbors need help. Just this month, we’ve seen independent restaurants in Texas feed first responders. Their generosity, resilience, and creativity are unmatched. Thanks to Chase, we have an opportunity to lift more of these businesses up and ensure they have the resources to keep doing what they do best.”
Chase will serve as IRC’s official financial services partner by providing financial resources as well as educational materials for IRC members. The bank will also offer access to research data along with marketing support through industry events.
Chris Stang, Head of Lifestyle and Dining at Chase commented: “We are proud to partner with an organization that shares our belief that restaurants and bars are more than just kitchens—they are vital parts of the communities they serve. Independent restaurants bring people together, drive local economies, and give neighborhoods their unique character. Through the establishment of the Innovator Awards and Disaster Relief Fund, we will work with the IRC to make an investment in the future of this industry and help ensure small businesses have the resources they need to grow while continuing to serve their communities.”
The Disaster Relief Fund is administered by Edward Charles Foundation; eligibility requirements include being independently owned with fewer than twenty locations nationwide as well as sustaining direct disaster-related damage within twelve months prior to application.
The Innovator Awards will grant $25,000 each to forty recipients focused on sustainable practices or workforce innovation such as zero-waste kitchens or childcare support.
Since its founding during March 2020’s pandemic onset—when it advocated successfully for over $28 billion in federal aid—the IRC has continued efforts supporting independent establishments facing ongoing challenges.
Chase has increased its involvement in dining since acquiring The Infatuation restaurant discovery platform along with Zagat review brand in 2021; it now offers expanded dining experiences for its more than eighty-five million customers through events like EEEEEATSCON festivals.
Further information about grant eligibility can be found at https://ircinnovatorawards.chase.com.