SoCalGas Donates $75,000 To Black-Owned Restaurants Across L.A.

LOS ANGELES, CA — Southern California Gas Co. announced their new Restaurant Recovery Program designed to help Black-owned restaurants affected by the pandemic. The company will provide grants ranging from $1,000 to $5,000, which can be used for payroll assistance, energy efficient upgrades, PPE and more.

The Vermont Slauson Economic Development Corporation, a community organization providing economic support to businesses in need, will administer the grants.

"Black restaurant owners suffer disproportionately from the ills of this pandemic," said VSEDC's President & CEO Joseph T. Rouzan III. "This critical infusion of capital allows restaurateurs to make vital upgrades to help stay afloat during these challenging times."

Popular Black-owned restaurants such as Hot and Cool Cafe and Pip's on La Brea are among the many restaurants to receive grants. 27th Street Bakery, a legacy South L.A. bakery that has been in business since 1956, expressed their gratitude for receiving a grant.

"It is with warm appreciation that 27th Street Bakery would like to thank Southern California Gas Company for their generous grant offering," Jeanette Bolden-Pickens, owner of 27th Street Bakery, said. "As a family owned business serving the community since 1956, this grant will have an immediate impact. Your generosity will help us to purchase shrink wrap equipment which will help create a healthier environment in this time of COVID-19. We appreciate Southern California Gas Company and VSEDC for their efforts in keeping 27th Street Bakery a 'sweet' spot in the local community."

The announcement comes midway through L.A.'s Black Restaurant Week which runs through August 16th. The annual event began in 2018, and has grown each year as more restaurants and food trucks look to participate.