Chicago Restaurant Owners and Community Leaders Convene at Grubhub Headquarters to Drive Innovation and Economic Empowerment
Grubhub Further Supports Hometown Restaurants by Launching New “Established 2020” Award Opportunity for Chicago-Based Restaurants That Opened in 2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 14, 2025
PRESS CONTACT
Emily Fuder: efuder@nationalace.org
[April 10, 2025, Chicago, IL] – The National Asian/Pacific Islander American Chamber of Commerce and Entrepreneurship (National ACE), in collaboration with Grubhub, convened over 60 small business owners, policymakers, and community leaders for a Small Business Roundtable in Chicago on April 10, 2025. The event served as a critical platform to elevate the voices of entrepreneurs and discuss strategies to overcome challenges and accelerate growth. The event also spotlighted several Grubhub Restaurant Fund awardees and celebrated the spirit of innovation and resilience of small business owners.
“Recent estimates show that AAPIs comprise approximately 6.5% of the Chicago metropolitan area’s population—the fastest-growing among all racial and ethnic groups. AAPI entrepreneurs, professionals, and advocates are driving innovation and business success across diverse industries,” said Chiling Tong, President & CEO of National ACE. “By convening these conversations, we can help shape federal policies that better support AAPI businesses in Chicago and beyond.”
Chiling Tong also expressed appreciation for Grubhub’s continued partnership. Since 2021, National ACE has worked with Grubhub, which has given over $6.5 million in grants to 520 restaurant owners. The applications are from all 50 states, and these funds have been crucial in supporting independently-owned restaurants. The 2024 restaurant fund alone has created 140 new jobs and retained over 628 jobs.
"Grubhub is proud to mark five years of partnership with National ACE, supporting small businesses—the backbone of our local communities," said Dave Tovar, SVP of Communications and Government Relations. "Through our collaboration on initiatives like the AAPIStrong Restaurant Grant program and advocacy for small business-friendly policies, we aim to create thriving environments for independent restaurants. Our success depends on them, and we remain committed to empowering local businesses to grow and thrive for years to come."
This event provided hope for many entrepreneurs who have felt alone in their journeys. “It’s important to have community; if we’re able to lean on each other, we can go through anything. We can lift each other up. You can solve problems a lot faster when you talk and bounce ideas off each other,” said Melvin Reyes, owner of Mano Modern Cafe.
“In the age of uncertainty, this meeting gives us the chance to see the light at the end of the tunnel by understanding the resources around us. It gives us a fighting chance at survival,” said Kevin Yu, owner of 2d restaurant.
Key topics raised by small business owners included rising costs, access to capital, supply chain uncertainties, talent retention, and the need for culturally responsive resources. Solutions emphasized during the event included connecting small business owners with business bankers, reducing gatekeeping to capital access, and increasing mentorship from seasoned entrepreneurs. Participants were encouraged to create banking relationships before they needed cash. “Know your banker before you need the money,” said Johnny Wilbon of Bank of America. A recurring theme was the value of peer learning and storytelling to help others navigate similar struggles. Many entrepreneurs also highlighted the importance of building trust with customers, leveraging social media, and accessing legal and financial education early in their journey.
Notable participants included Alderman Nicole Lee, Ward 11, City of Chicago; Will Shih, Director of Economic Development, Office of Senator Tammy Duckworth; Jake Kaplan, Deputy Chief of Staff & District Director, Office of Representative Brad Schneider; and Cherita Logan, District Director, Office of Representative Danny K. Davis.
During the event, Grubhub announced the new Established 2020 Award designed to support long-term success for the class of Chicago restaurants that opened during the COVID-19 shutdown. All small business restaurant owners in Chicago who opened their first brick-and-mortar location in 2020 and are still open today are eligible to receive a monetary award to invest back into their small business. Applications for the award program are currently open through Friday, April 18, 2025, and will be awarded at an in-person event in June 2025.
This roundtable is part of National ACE’s ongoing commitment to support minority entrepreneurs and facilitate productive conversations around the unique challenges they face. National ACE continues to provide tailored resources and programs aimed at helping small business owners access funding and grow their operations.
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About National ACE:
National ACE’s mission is to serve as a strong advocate of AAPI and all small business interests and positive change on all issues that enhance and advance the goals and aspirations of business owners, entrepreneurs, and corporate leaders. National ACE strives to do this by supporting and promoting issues that impact the small business community, improving the economic development and impact of the AAPI community, advancing coalitions, enhancing community building, and fostering the next generation of entrepreneurs and executives. National ACE provides a unified voice for the business interests of AAPIs and all small businesses nationally. Learn more at www.nationalace.org.