Twenty-six Sacramento bars and restaurants receive grants from GoFundMe campaign
A coalition of organizations within the city of Sacramento announced today 26 recipients that will receive micro-grants from the Emergency Response Micro-Grant Program for Sacramento Restaurants & Bars. The recipients represent a diverse array of independent food and beverage establishments across seven of the eight Council districts in the city of Sacramento.
“I want to thank everyone who participated in supporting their favorite bars and restaurants so they will still be here when we get through this public health crisis,” said Mayor Darrell Steinberg. “This is a small amount, and the need is so great. We all need to keep pitching in if we can, either by donating or getting takeout or delivery from those establishments that are still open.”
Mayor Steinberg joined members of the collaboration supporting the campaign and several recipients in a virtual Zoom press conference today.
The GoFundMe was conceived by freelance journalist and author Sasha Abramsky as a way to provide relief to independent bars, restaurants, coffee houses, breweries, wine tasting rooms and pubs forced to shut down or drastically curtail their operations to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. Mayor Steinberg helped launch the GoFundMe on March 17 with a virtual St. Patrick’s social hour in celebration of local pubs and restaurants, encouraging individuals and businesses to donate in lieu of a night out. To date, it has raised $26,404 from 182 donors.
Micro-grants were identified as the best tool for distribution of the funds based on numerous studies that demonstrate these grants – even in relatively small amounts -- have tremendous economic impact for businesses at pivotal times in its operation and can be the difference in that business continuing its operations by helping pay a critical bill or payroll shortages.
Businesses receiving grants include restaurants, bars, cafes, coffee shops and a pub spread among seven of the City’s eight Council districts. The majority received $1,000 apiece.
The recipient list includes: Alaro Craft Brewery & Restaurant, Azul Mexican Food & Tequila Bar, BBQ & Burgers, BonnLair, Coffee Works, Crest Café, The Golden Bear, Der Biergarten, Fox & Goose Public House, Hook & Ladder Manufacturing, Ink One, Jalapenos and Company, Jimmy's Poke House & Sushi Restaurant, Kru Contemporary Japanese, La Terraza, Limelight Bar and Café, Midtown's Cantina Alley, Old Ironsides, Queen Sheba Restaurant, Sac City Brews Neighborhood Tap House, Shift Coffee House, Steamers Bakery & Café, Sun & Soil Juice Co., Taqueria el burrito, The Rind and Vibe Health Bar.
Over 181 businesses applied for the micro-grants, and 134 applicants were deemed eligible after the initial review process. Recipients will be receiving funds as soon as this week.
A second round of micro-grants will be made available as additional donations are made by the community. Eligible applicants that did not receive a grant in the first round of reviews will receive priority for consideration. Donations may be made online at GoFundMe.com. The fund was organized and is managed by Sacramento Region Restaurants Association.
This is a collaborative effort supported by the following organizations that were represented in the review committee: Sacramento Region Restaurants Association, City of Sacramento, Midtown Association, Sacramento Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Sacramento Partnership, Greater Sacramento Area Economic Council, Visit Sacramento and the Sacramento Asian Pacific Chamber of Commerce.
