High Road Kitchens Chicago Restaurant Grant Program – Up to $30,000 in Funding

Grant Overview

Chicago Restaurant Grants Supporting Wage Equity and Community Meals

Donor: One Fair Wage in partnership with the City of Chicago

About: The High Road Kitchens Program represents a groundbreaking initiative designed to revitalize Chicago’s restaurant industry while simultaneously promoting wage equity and community support. Launched as a collaborative effort between One Fair Wage and the City of Chicago under Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot’s administration, this $1 million program offers participating restaurants substantial financial assistance while encouraging sustainable business practices and community engagement.

Restaurants participating in the High Road Kitchens Program can receive grants ranging from $10,000 to $30,000, distributed in increments of $10,000 for every 500 free meals provided to community members in need. This innovative approach serves dual purposes: supporting restaurants financially while ensuring that vulnerable community members receive nutritious meals during challenging times. The program initially provides $5,000 to purchase supplies for free or discounted meals, with additional funding of up to $25,000 to subsidize labor costs associated with meal production.

What distinguishes the High Road Kitchens Program is its commitment to long-term industry transformation. Participating restaurants must commit to a structured approach for achieving wage equity, ultimately implementing One Fair Wage – a full minimum wage with tips on top – for all employees by January 2026. This gradual transition allows restaurants to adapt their business models while working toward more equitable employment practices. Additionally, participants must complete an Equity Toolkit and Training program within nine months of joining, addressing historical inequities within the restaurant industry.

The program’s implementation in Chicago follows successful launches in California, New York City, Detroit, and Boston, demonstrating its effectiveness across diverse restaurant markets. The application process operates on a rolling basis, allowing restaurants to join when they’re prepared to make the necessary commitments. Participating establishments benefit not only from direct financial support but also from increased visibility through One Fair Wage’s promotional efforts, including social media outreach and connections with their Worker Emergency Fund network.

For restaurant owners in Chicago facing financial challenges due to COVID-19 and seeking both immediate relief and a pathway to sustainable operations, the High Road Kitchens Program offers a comprehensive solution. The program’s emphasis on community service, wage equity, and business sustainability creates a win-win scenario for restaurants, workers, and the broader Chicago community.

At Grantaura, we recognize that navigating grant applications and program requirements can be challenging. Our team of experienced grant specialists can assist you with the entire High Road Kitchens application process – from determining your eligibility to preparing documentation and developing implementation strategies. We offer specialized business planning services to help restaurants map out their transition to One Fair Wage while maintaining profitability, as well as assistance with creating efficient systems for community meal distribution. Contact our grant experts today to maximize your chances of securing this valuable funding opportunity.

Focus: Restaurant industry support, Wage equity, Community feeding, COVID-19 recovery, Worker justice

Region: Chicago, Illinois, United States

Eligibility:
-Restaurants must be located in Chicago, Illinois
-Annual revenue must be under $3 million
-Must have experienced financial loss due to COVID-19 totaling at least 25% of annual revenue
-Must commit to transitioning to paying all employees a full minimum wage with tips on top by January 2026
-Must complete the Equity Toolkit and Training program within nine months of joining
-Must agree to provide free meals to community members in need (one free meal for every $10 granted)
-Must become members of RAISE High Road Restaurants (membership is free)

Benefits:
-Initial grant of $5,000 for purchasing supplies to provide free meals
-Additional funding of up to $25,000 to subsidize labor costs
-Total grant amount ranges from $10,000 to $30,000 per establishment
-Free promotional support through One Fair Wage social media platforms
-Inclusion in the RAISE High Road Restaurants network
-Training and resources for implementing equitable business practices

Deadline: Rolling basis

Terms:
-One Fair Wage: A policy approach requiring employers to pay all workers, including tipped employees, the full minimum wage with tips on top, rather than a lower tipped minimum wage
-High Road Kitchens: A program created by One Fair Wage that provides funding for restaurants that commit to equitable employment practices and community support
-RAISE High Road Restaurants: A network of restaurant owners committed to implementing livable wages and equitable workplace practices
-Equity Toolkit and Training: A structured educational program focused on implementing fair hiring, promotion, and wage practices in the restaurant industry
-Worker Emergency Fund: A fund established by One Fair Wage to support restaurant workers facing financial hardship