Support a Historic Small Restaurant

Now in its fourth year, the Backing Historic Small Restaurants Grant Program is again on a national search for beloved local eateries that help tell an inspiring story about cuisine and community in America.

This year, together with American Express, we have expanded the program and will award $2.5 million in grants to 50 historic and culturally significant restaurants across the United States. These grants will help them improve, upgrade, and preserve their exterior physical spaces and online businesses. We want to help a broad array of restaurants that contribute to their neighborhood’s history and identity.

And we want to hear from you!

We invite you to use this form to tell us about the historic restaurants that are near and dear to you, and could use a little TLC to stay up and running. Submissions are due March 27, 2024.

If you are a restaurant owner, please use this form to formally apply for the grant program.

Share your stories from Route 66! Whether a quirky roadside attraction, a treasured business, or a piece of family history, we are looking for your stories from this iconic highway.

Share Your Story