Baltimore Restaurant To Receive Historic Small Restaurants Grant

BALTIMORE, MD — Twenty-five U.S. historic independent restaurants will collectively receive $1 million in funding through the “Backing Historic Small Restaurants” grant program, American Express and the National Trust for Historic Preservation announced Thursday.

A Baltimore restaurant — and the only one from Maryland — made the list of grant recipients.

Max's Taphouse, which is located at 733 S Broadway in Baltimore, will receive $40,000 to help improve its physical space and services to customers. The restaurant can also use the grant money for general operating and marketing costs, according to American Express.

“These establishments have served their communities for decades, and they represent a diverse collection of cuisines and cultures that are integral to the fabric of their neighborhoods,” said Madge Thomas, President of the American Express Foundation & Head of Corporate Sustainability. “Backing small businesses is central to who we are, and we are proud to support these historically significant restaurants in partnership with the National Trust for Historic Preservation.”

Rated as one of the best beer bars in the world, Max’s Taphouse is situated on the square in historic Fells Point, steps from the waterfront, according to its website.

Family-owned and operated since 1986, the owners said their taphouse features one of the largest draft beer systems in the country, with 108 draft and 4 hand cask lines plus a collection of over 1600 beer bottles and cans.

Now in its second year, the “Backing Historic Small Restaurants” grant program is funded by American Express and administered by the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

The 25 grantees were selected by the National Trust for Historic Preservation from a diverse group of historic and culturally significant restaurants that have been in business for at least 25 years and operate in historic buildings or neighborhoods, according to American Express.

To view the other grant recipients, click here.