Grubhub, a leading online and mobile food-ordering and delivery marketplace with the largest and most comprehensive network of restaurant partners, and the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC), the business voice of the LGBT community and certifying body for LGBTQ+-owned businesses nationwide, are pleased to announce a series of grants celebrating LGBTQ business resilience coming to several members of the Golden Gate Business Association (GGBA).
“We often say at NGLCC that ‘If you can buy it, an LGBTQ+-owned business can supply it.’ That is especially true of the LGBTQ+-owned restaurants across America who kept our communities and first responders fed throughout the pandemic. We’re proud to partner with Grubhub in presenting these grants across America. America’s 1.4 million LGBTQ+-owned business owners have demonstrated incredible resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic, and now we can back to help them recover stronger than ever,” said NGLCC Co-Founder & President Justin Nelson.
The NGLCC’s network of more than fifty Affiliate Chambers across America, of which the Golden Gate Business Association is a proud partner, helped amplify this grant opportunity to support local restaurants. Local chambers will also benefit from this initiative’s newly established “Affiliate Chamber Fund.” This fund will enable any establishment that receives a Community Impact Grant that is not currently a member of an NGLCC local affiliate chamber to have one year of membership paid.
Previously, a grant of $100,000 was awarded to GGBA member Café Gabriela in Oakland. Today, a grant of $10,000 is being awarded to GGBA member Azucar Lounge. Additional awardees are expected on the coming year.
“We’re thrilled and honored to be selected as a Grubhub, National LGBT Chamber of Commerce grant recipient,” commented Azucar Lounge owner Jonathan Ojinaga. “The last few years have been exceptionally difficult, and recovery continues to be slow. Businesses located in commercial and downtown districts are recovering at a snail’s pace since much office work has shifted to run remotely. This grant will help us to continue our day-to-day operations.”
“We’re so grateful to Grubhub and NGLCC for this opportunity to support some of our member restaurants that have worked so hard to stay afloat during the pandemic,” said GGBA executive director Terry Beswick. “But this is just the beginning. We look forward to supporting many more LGBTQ-owned restaurants in the Bay Area in the next round of funding.”
The NGLCC & Grubhub Community Impact Grant program provides a financial lifeline to those impacted by COVID-19 with grants expected to range from $5,000 to $100,000.
Throughout the month of June 2021, NGLCC was the official partner of Grubhub’s Donate the Change, which has raised tens of millions of dollars for organizations in need since launching in late 2019. The partnership welcomed Grubhub and Seamless diners to round up their order total and donate the difference, with the company matching eligible donations from Grubhub+ members. The proceeds raised will now be made available through NGLCC to support the LGBTQ+ community and LGBTQ+-owned restaurants.
“As the world starts to return to a new normal, we know many businesses are rebuilding and reopening, especially LGBTQ+-owned restaurants that are often the pillars of their communities,” said Jessica Burns, vice president of brand and creative at Grubhub. “We’re thrilled to partner with NGLCC and give back to the LGBTQ+ community – one that has shown incredible strength and support for those in need throughout the pandemic.”
About NGLCC
The National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC) is the business voice of the LGBT community and is the largest global advocacy organization specifically dedicated to expanding economic opportunities and advancements for LGBT people. NGLCC is the exclusive certification body for LGBT-owned businesses, known as Certified LGBT Business Enterprise® (Certified LGBTBE®) suppliers.
www.nglcc.org @nglcc
About GGBA
Founded in 1974, the Golden Gate Business Association (GGBA) was the world’s first LGBTQ+ chamber of commerce. GGBA’s mission is to champion opportunity, development, and advocacy for our LGBTQ+ & Allied business community in the San Francisco Bay Area.
About Grubhub
Grubhub is a leading online and mobile food-ordering and delivery marketplace with the largest and most comprehensive network of restaurant partners, as well as 33 million active diners. Dedicated to connecting diners with the food they love from their favorite local restaurants, Grubhub elevates food ordering through innovative restaurant technology, easy-to-use platforms and an improved delivery experience. Grubhub features over 300,000 restaurants and is proud to partner with over 280,000 of these restaurants in over 4,000 U.S. cities. The Grubhub portfolio of brands includes Grubhub, Seamless, LevelUp, AllMenus and MenuPages.
About Azúcar Lounge
Azúcar Lounge is more than just a bar and restaurant. Founded in San Francisco in 2011, Azúcar celebrates Mexican culture, offers educational opportunities, supports its community, and serves delicious food made from authentic Mexican ingredients. With one of the largest collections of Mexican spirits (Tequila, Mezcal, Whiskey) in the Bay Area, Azúcar brings a taste of Mexico to you. Azúcar Lounge offers full-service dining, private agave tastings, catering services and serves as a venue for large events.
www.AzucarSF.com @AzucarSF
PHOTO BY RINK FOTO: Azucar Lounge owner Jonathan Ojinaga hosting GGBA Power Connect After-party on June 16, 2022.
