The Launch of the 2025 'Backing Historic Small Restaurants' Grant Program

Grant Program to Aid Historic Small Restaurants

The National Trust for Historic Preservation, in collaboration with American Express, has officially opened applications for the fifth iteration of the 'Backing Historic Small Restaurants' grant program. This initiative aims to assist small, independent restaurants in maintaining their cultural significance while enhancing their culinary offerings and boosting local economies. In 2025, the program will distribute a total of $2.5 million, benefiting 50 historic establishments across the United States.

Over the past four years, the Backing Historic Small Restaurants initiative has already allocated more than $5 million in grants to 130 restaurant owners nationwide, especially those facing economic challenges or the aftermath of disasters. Not only is this program crucial for preserving the history of these dining venues, but it also plays an essential role in sustaining the local economies they serve.

Madge Thomas, Head of Corporate Sustainability and President of the American Express Foundation, remarked, "American Express is proud to back local champions who strengthen their communities, including small and independent restaurants. Food has the power to unite people and foster community spirit. We strive to provide the support necessary for these restaurants to innovate and upgrade their operations, ensuring their continued vitality within neighborhoods across the United States and globally."

Carol Quillen, President and CEO of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, expressed similar sentiments, stating, "Our partnership with American Express significantly enhances our ability to support small businesses that are the heart of our neighborhoods. Together, we are fortifying communities throughout the country."

Feedback from past grant recipients underscores the program's impact on their establishments. Stephen Reeve, who operates the historic New York Café in Ketchikan, Alaska, highlighted how funding allowed him to undertake necessary renovations to improve the restaurant’s infrastructure and honor its history. Reeve described his commitment to preserving the legacy of the New York Café, established over 120 years ago, to honor the families that built it and the surrounding historic area.

Applications for the current round of funding opened on May 16 and will remain accessible until May 30. Restaurant owners can apply directly through the program’s official portal, while community members also have the opportunity to nominate their favorite historic restaurant.

The American Express 'Backing Small' grants initiative, which includes the Backing International Small Restaurants program launched simultaneously, underscores its commitment, especially during the pandemic when numerous restaurants faced dire circumstances. Since its inception, these programs have collectively provided nearly $4 million in funding and resources to aid restaurants worldwide in overcoming challenges and evolving their business models.

American Express, known for founding Small Business Saturday in 2010, continuously seeks to connect local businesses with their communities, driving customer foot traffic essential for their survival and growth. To date, the grants have supported approximately 5,000 small businesses across six countries, affirming the company's dedicated role in fostering small business resilience.

The National Trust for Historic Preservation is a nonprofit organization committed to promoting the maintenance and enhancement of historic places since its establishment by Congress in 1949. Through partnerships, they not only preserve the unique stories that define communities but also enable economic growth and a more robust public sense of belonging.

In conclusion, the 'Backing Historic Small Restaurants' program represents a tangible effort to safeguard the rich culinary traditions and histories embedded in America’s dining scene. As restaurant owners look towards a renaissance of culinary culture, initiatives like this offer not only financial sustenance but also a promise of support from both local communities and national partners.