Los Angeles is currently grappling with the worst wildfires in its history. At press time, five separate wildfires are burning, the death toll is unknown, and countless homes, businesses, and other structures have been destroyed.
Many Restaurants Lost to Wildfires
Many restaurants have also been destroyed, especially in the popular tourist destination of Malibu, which is fighting the largest of the wildfires, the Palisades Fire. Various news outlets have reported that eateries along the Pacific Coast Highway—including the well-known restaurants Malibu’s Reel Inn, Cholada Thai, and Moonshadows—have been lost to the fires. In Altadena, Fox's restaurant and Rancho Bar have been destroyed.
Eater Los Angeles is keeping a running list of the restaurants affected by the wildfires.
Restaurants Rally Together to Help
Other restaurants in the Los Angeles area who are in a position to help are doing so by offering free meals to evacuees and first responders as well as places to shelter.
For example, NORMS Restaurants is offering free meals to first responders as well as donating to the LAFD Foundation Emergency Fund.
Sunday Gravy in Inglewood is also offering free meals to first responders. The restaurant is also accepting donations in the form of meals purchased for those in need.
FAT (Fresh. Authentic. Tasty.) Brands Inc., parent company of LA-based burger chain, Fatburger, is donating 10,000 meals to first responders and fire evacuees through its food truck, the “Fatmobile,” which will be at first responder sites and shelters.
For a full list of restaurants offering help in the LA area, see the LA Times' list.
Relief Support for Restaurants
Restaurants affected by the wildfires can find recovery support in a number of places.
DoorDash: LA-area restaurants can apply for relief through the company's Restaurant Disaster Relief Fund, which provides grants of $10,000 to small businesses who have been impacted by natural disasters. DoorDash has allocated $150,000 of Disaster Relief Fund grants for restaurants specifically impacted by the Los Angeles fires.
National Restaurant Association: The Association is offering its free Wildfires Mini Guide to provide restaurants with valuable tips and best practices to protect their businesses, minimize disruption, and keep their teams safe.
FEMA: President Biden approved a Major Disaster Declaration for California, and business owners who sustained fire losses can begin applying for assistance by registering online.
Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation: The County of Los Angeles is immediately focused on the preservation of life, safety and property. Once this safety is affirmed, the County will be releasing Wildfire Economic Recovery resources including business-interruption grants and business assistance resources. In the meantime, they're offering their free "Guide to Planning for Business Operations After Natural Disasters" with important information and resources to help plan next steps.
Restaurants Care: Restaurants Care has opened a temporary fund to provide emergency relief grants to food and beverage workers impacted by the Los Angeles Area Fires. Grants will range between $350-$1,500.
Bar & Restaurant News will update this list as more information on resources is released.
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