The Covid-19 crisis may not be over, but there are surely brighter times ahead for the agile, creative and talent-filled hospitality sector. As part of its ongoing Recovery programme, 50 Best has been raising funds to provide tangible financial relief to independent operators in the form of direct grants. Find out more about the grant application process and timings below – as we work together towards a positive renaissance for restaurants and bars
Let’s be clear: we all need help, of one sort or another, in times of crisis. The circumstances that the hospitality sector finds itself in as a by-product of the pandemic amounts to an existential threat, so applying for any assistance that helps the recovery process is to be encouraged.
In that spirit, restaurant or bars from any corner of the world (even if temporarily shuttered) can apply for a grant of up to US $5,000 from the World’s 50 Best Recovery CIC, a non-profit organisation specifically set up to administer tangible financial aid to independent operators who have been hit hard by Covid-19.
The aim is to provide support for restaurants and bars of all types and styles in their efforts to move towards a vibrant future where they can showcase their skill, inventiveness and hospitality, creating positive moment and memories for diners and drinkers in the process.
Any independent bar with fewer than 40 staff can apply for a Recovery Grant
The grants will distributed from the 50 Best Recovery Fund, which has seen $1.24million raised to date from the recent ‘Bid for Recovery’ Auction of gastronomic experiences and rare items, proceeds from sales of the Home Comforts e-cookbook – available for a minimum $10/£8 donation here – and the generous contributions of 50 Best’s sponsor partners.
The window for grant applications to be submitted runs from 14:00 UK time on Monday 27 July through to 23:59 UK time on Sunday 2 August 2020. Restaurants will be able to access the grant application form here with bars accessing the form here during that time window. The World’s 50 Best Recovery CIC will endeavour to make sure the grants are awarded to those with the greatest need, based on how the shutdown has impacted the business, and how the grant is set to be utilised.
The plan is to assist restaurants and bars from a wide variety of different countries, but each application must meet all the following criteria:
1. The restaurant or bar must have been trading before 2 January 2019
2. It must still have been trading immediately prior to the coronavirus lockdown in early 2020
3. It must have an active website or social media account
4. Restaurants must be independent, and not part of a multi-site chain, with a workforce of fewer than 80 people
5. Bars must be independent, and not part of a multi-site chain, with a workforce of fewer than 40 people
In the meantime, further information on the details of the application process, including what information will be required and what to prepare, is outlined on the 50 Best Restaurants Recovery Hub and 50 Best Bars Recovery Hub.
Visit the Restaurant Recovery Hub and the Bar Recovery Hub to explore useful resources during the coronavirus pandemic and read the stories of chefs and bartenders around the world. Follow 50 Best on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube for the latest news and videos.
