30 Rockford-area eateries share nearly $200K in 2nd round of restaurant relief grants

October 7, 2024|By Kevin Haas|In Restaurants, Rock River Current, 815 News, Local, Rockford, Trending
The sun sets on Prairie Street Brewing Co., 200 Prairie St., on Tuesday, July 16, 2024, along the Rock River in Rockford. Prairie Street has been a recipient of state-funded grants to help local restaurants with unemployment costs that spiked because of the pandemic. (Photo by Kevin Haas/Rock River Current)
By Kevin Haas
Rock River Current
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ROCKFORD — The second round of a grant program designed to provide local restaurants with relief from unemployment taxes that spiked because of the COVID-19 pandemic will benefit 30 establishments.

GoRockford announced on Monday that the restaurants will share $195,811.20 in funding, with awards ranging between $30,450 and $165.

“Supporting our community and our local businesses, especially those that were hit hardest during the pandemic, has been one of my top priorities,” said state Rep. Maurice West, who secured $1.5 million last year for the state-funded grant program. “I believe these continued grants will play a vital role in sustaining our local economy, keeping workers employed, and preserving the unique dining experiences the Rockford region has to offer.”

During the first round awarded in May, a total of $469,475.33 was awarded to 33 restaurants in Winnebago County.

A third round of funding is expected to open for applications in January.

The program was created to help restaurants recover after unemployment insurance rates skyrocketed because of layoffs made during state-mandated health restrictions amid the pandemic.

The state froze those increases during its mandated lockdowns to protect business owners from paying higher rates due to layoffs caused by the pandemic. However, that freeze ended before restaurants in this area of the state were allowed to fully reopen.

“Restaurants are vital to the character and economy of Rockford, and many continue to face challenges in the wake of the pandemic,” John Groh, president and CEO of GoRockford, said in a news release. “Our grant program offers critical support, allowing them to reinvest in their operations and staff. We’re proud to provide this relief and help sustain the vibrant local dining scene.”

More restaurant news: Faced with rising costs and mounting legal fees, Magpie will close its downtown restaurant

GoRockford administers the grants that West secured through the state budget.

The recipients were selected through an application process in which restaurants were asked to demonstrate their need, evidence of the rate increase and their role in enhancing the region’s culinary offerings.

GoRockford said eligible applicants that applied and met all criteria were awarded grants.

Grant awards

The following restaurants were awarded grants in the second round:

This article is by Kevin Haas. Email him at khaas@rockrivercurrent.com or follow him on X at @KevinMHaas or Instagram @thekevinhaas and Threads @thekevinhaas

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