Looking for a meaningful way to support the historic local eateries you love? Take it beyond takeout and nominate it for a Backing Historic Small Restaurants grant.

Together with American Express, the National Trust for Historic Preservation launching a national search for the cozy cafes, delicious dives, and other beloved restaurants that have stood the test of time and served their communities for decades—but now are facing their biggest challenge yet from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Are you a restaurant owner—or restaurant lover—who’d like to nominate your favorite historic eatery in the United States? Before you do, check out the eligibility criteria:

• Have experienced significant financial hardship due to the impacts of the pandemic.
• Have contributed to the neighborhood’s history and/or the identity of a particular neighborhood or community for at least 25 years.
• Be a small/independently owned restaurant located in a historic building and/or historic neighborhood.
• Preference will be given to businesses owned by underrepresented groups, including People of Color and women, disproportionally impacted by the pandemic.
• Priority will be given to small restaurants who have not already received significant COVID-19-related aid.

Have questions? Please check out our Frequently Asked Questions, or email historicrestaurants@savingplaces.org.