DoorDash adds $500K to aid fund

Delivery technology service DoorDash has contributed $500,000 to a new relief fund for Connecticut restaurants, which will help some of the hardest-hit businesses in the state.

Connecticut restaurateurs facing financial difficulties can now apply to receive relief from the Connecticut Restaurant Association’s fund, which will provide one-time $5,000 grants to eligible businesses. Grant availability will be based on available funds, and will be limited to one per restaurant group.

“In the midst of historically challenging times for local restaurants, DoorDash’s contribution to the Connecticut Restaurant Relief Fund will provide much needed financial support for local businesses throughout our state,” said Scott Dolch, executive director of the Connecticut Restaurant Association.

“Throughout the pandemic, restaurants have worked tirelessly to stay in business while keeping their customers and staff safe. We look forward to growing this fund, so we can help even more restaurants as they fight every day to survive this pandemic, so they can be part of our economic recovery in the months and years ahead.”

The contribution is part of DoorDash’s $200 million, 5-year Main Street Strong Pledge, which includes a $10 million grant program to help restaurants in select cities across the United States and Canada, according to a statement.

The partnership between DoorDash and the CRA will enhance the lines of communication between restaurants and DoorDash, as well as allow DoorDash to share updates on products and services available to help restaurants grow sales and meet new customers.

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a disastrous impact on Connecticut’s more than 8,000 restaurants, which employed 160,000 people before the state’s mandated closure on March 16, according to the CRA. Dolch estimated in November that more than 600 state restaurants had closed since that date, with more continuing to close each week.