we’re excited to announce the launch of the 2024-25 Restaurant Disaster Relief Fund, together with our partners, Hello Alice, and the Global Entrepreneurship Network (GEN). The Fund will provide an additional $1,000,000 in relief grants to eligible local restaurants impacted by disasters. The grants, each $10,000, can help cover essential operation expenses such as rent, repairs for damages, mortgage payments, payroll, and other critical bills. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis through May 2025. 

As part of our commitment to empowering local communities, DoorDash created the Restaurant Disaster Relief Fund to help restaurants rebuild in the aftermath of natural disasters. Since 2021, the Fund has provided more than $1.8 million in relief grants to more than 180 local restaurants across the United States, Puerto Rico, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. 

The catastrophic 2023 Maui wildfire completely burned down Choice Health Bar in Lahaina, destroying its commercial kitchen, storage, offices, and the store itself. For owner Emily Kunz, the relief grant has helped them rebuild and resume business. "This grant has been a lifeline for us. It has helped us rebuild our flagship location from the ground up. We’re determined to come back stronger, and this support is making that possible," said Kunz.

The devastating impact of Hurricane Idalia caused significant damage to Southie Coffee in Clearwater, Florida. Owner Bella Rincon used the relief grant to help repair the severe damage to the roof. “I am beyond thankful for the support and used the funds to replace the portion of the roof that was damaged by the storms. This grant helps us move forward and continue to serve our local community,” said Rincon. 

“When a crisis disrupts business, access to funding can make all the difference. That’s why we’ve kept this program going for three years,” said Sueli Shaw, Head of Social Impact at DoorDash. “If local restaurants are able to recover from disasters, communities as a whole recover stronger, too.”

Close to half of applicants from last year’s Fund said they had to close for over a month due to the disaster, with weather-related flooding being the most common disaster type. Supplies and materials were the top expense for merchants, followed by food and beverage inventory, and then rent payments. 96% of surveyed grant recipients say they found the grant substantially helpful in maintaining operations after the disaster and 61% said their revenue was at the same or above pre-disaster levels three months after receiving the grant. 

To apply for the 2024/25 Restaurant Disaster Relief Fund, restaurants must have been impacted by an eligible state or federally-declared natural disaster, have between one and three brick and mortar locations, have fewer than 50 employees per location, have been open for at least six months, and have revenues of USD $3 million or less per location in the past 12 months, and be located in the United States, Puerto Rico, New Zealand, Australia or Canada.  Applications must be submitted within 12 months of the disaster declaration. 

To learn more and apply, visit https://get.doordash.com/en-us/about/disaster-relief-fund

Canada's national cocktail turned 55 in 2024. Invented in 1969 by restaurant manager Walter Chell of the Calgary Inn in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. He devised the cocktail after being tasked to create a signature drink for the Calgary Inn's new Italian restaurant. It's been the only-in-Canada favorite game night, summer patio, and 'hair of the dog' Sunday brunch cocktail.

The key ingredients are vodka, clam juice, tomato juice, spices and Worcestershire sauce. It is typically served in a highball glass rimmed with celery salt and garnished with a celery stalk, olives and lime.

ENJOY!

EDMONTON, AB - June 21, 2024 - Sorrentino's West, a beloved fixture in Edmonton's culinary scene, has been honored with a place on OpenTable's prestigious list of Top 100 Restaurants for Outdoor Dining in Canada. This recognition highlights the restaurant's commitment to providing an exceptional al fresco dining experience and solidifies its position as a premier destination for outdoor enthusiasts and food lovers alike. The list, curated by OpenTable, one of the world's leading providers of online restaurant reservations, is based on diner reviews and ratings.

Sorrentino's West stood out for its picturesque patio setting, outstanding cuisine, and dedication to creating memorable outdoor dining experiences. “We are absolutely thrilled to receive this recognition from OpenTable," says CEO Carmelo Rago Sr at Sorrentino's Restaurant Group. "This achievement is a testament to the hard work and passion of our entire team, as well as the continued support of our loyal patrons. We've always believed in the magic of outdoor dining, and we're honored that our efforts have resonated so strongly with our guests. “Sorrentino’s West's outdoor dining area offers a perfect blend of ambiance and culinary excellence, featuring live entertainment every Thursday.

The restaurant's commitment to using fresh, locally-sourced ingredients and its innovative menu have long made it a favorite among Edmonton diners. This accolade comes at an opportune time as the summer season begins, inviting both locals and visitors to experience one of Canada's top-rated outdoor dining venues. Sorrentino's West encourages food enthusiasts to book their tables early to enjoy this award-winning experience. Edmonton was further highlighted by the inclusion of two other local restaurants, Campio and Darling, in the Top 100 list, underscoring the city's growing reputation as a destination for exceptional outdoor dining.

For more information about Sorrentino's West or to make a reservation, please visit www.sorrentinos.com.

Toronto, ON – June 18, 2024 – The Coffee Association of Canada (CAC), a pivotal force in the nation’s thriving coffee industry, is thrilled to announce its 2024 Conference – themed “Coffee Unites” – being held on Thursday, November 14th at Angus Glen. The annual event, which sold out in 2022 and 2023, has been moved to a larger venue and is featuring Canadian business icon, Arlene Dickinson, as the keynote speaker.

Keynote Speaker: Arlene Dickinson

“Arlene is not just a visionary entrepreneur; she’s an iconic Canadian business leader,” said Robert Carter, President, Coffee Association of Canada. “Many of us know Arlene from her role as a dragon on CBC's Dragons' Den, however as the Founder and General Partner of District Ventures Capital, she's deeply immersed in the food & beverage and health & wellness sectors, making her insights invaluable to our Conference.”

“Coffee brings people together over shared moments,” said Arlene. “It is a beloved beverage that serves as a powerful catalyst in uniting people worldwide. I look forward to delving into the power of relationships and how strong connections can empower us all.”

Unique Fireside Chat with Arlene and Tony Chapman

Hosting for the third year in a row is media personality, Tony Chapman. Tony and Arlene were both recently inducted into the Small Business Champion Hall of Fame. These two icons will enjoy a “fireside chat” at the end of Arlene’s presentation; a unique moment that you won’t experience elsewhere.

Exhibitor Marketplace and Speakers

The Conference is an all-day event that includes an exhibitor marketplace, panels, presentations and of course, coffee. This year’s agenda includes Sylvain Charlebois (The Food Professor); Benjamin Tal (Managing Director and Deputy Chief Economist, CIBC Capital Markets); a Data & Insights Panel with Circana and Dig Insights; CAC’s Charity of the Year (2024) Grounds for Health, and more.

2024 Conference Sponsors include Title Sponsor, Dairy Farmers of Canada; Signature & Coffee Sponsor, Keurig Dr Pepper Canada; and Speaker Sponsors – JM Smucker, Monin Canada and Swiss Water.

Celebrating the Canadian Coffee Industry with CAC Awards

For the second year, the CAC will also be recognizing winners in their Coffee Awards program. Inaugural winners in 2023 were: Muna Mohammed, Eight50 Coffee (Innovative Achievement); Balzac’s (Small Chain-Big Impact) and Michael Higgins and Paul Higgins Jr., Mother Parkers Tea & Coffee (Lifetime Achievement). Nominations for the 2024 Awards will be opening in September.

Get Your Tickets before they Sell Out!

Conference details, tickets and sponsorship information can be found on the CAC website: https://coffeeassoc.com/annual-conference/