DoorDash has announced the latest round of $10,000 grants, including an intensive eight-week training, for 20 local restaurants in New York and New Jersey. Beyond the training, the selected businesses also receive one-on-one business advising, as well as the opportunity to connect with other local operators.
DoorDash is making these benefits available through its partnership with national nonprofit, Accion Opportunity Fund, and local partners at the Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey and the Five Borough Chamber Alliance in New York City. In addition, DeliverZero is providing free, environmentally friendly reusable packaging to participating restaurants—the equivalent of six months of free packaging for each business.
In announcing its latest Accelerator program, DoorDash said the pandemic is still having an impact on restaurants, especially smaller operators, which prompted the company to find new ways to support its restaurant merchants.
The company highlighted Dear Mama, a New York-based breakfast and lunch spot, which was included in the inaugural cohort of participants in 2021. The company received financial support and educational resources, which it said came at a critical time and “enabled us to stay afloat while adapting and growing our business.”
It added that being included in the Accelerator program helped the company continue paying wages that it estimates are 20 percent higher than the industry average.
“I’m among the more than 150 restaurateurs from 8 cities who have completed the Accelerator for Local Restaurants through local cohorts in Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Denver, Los Angeles, New York City, Philadelphia, and Portland guided by some of the industry’s most recognized entrepreneurs and chefs,” said Dear Mama founder and owner Zachary Sharaga. “These participants represent diverse cohorts of restaurateurs and business owners, the majority of whom are women, immigrants, and people of color.”
This year’s roster of DoorDash Accelerator recipients included the following local restaurants, all based in New York and New Jersey:
- Café Metro
- Caridad Restaurant
- Casa Cubana
- Cavany Foods
- Cliffs Cafe
- Da Claudio
- L’arte della Pizza Brooklyn
- Lakou Cafe
- Lighthouse
- Little Chef Little Cafe
- Mad Juicy
- Mi Lindo Ecuador
- Mr Mista Oh LLC
- Multisweet LIC
- Neguess Creole Restaurant
- RINCON SALVADOREÑO
- Someday Bar
- SQ Pizza
- thecradlenyc llc
- Ungaro Coal Fired Pizza Cafe
