The COVID-19 pandemic has become very cruel not only for individuals but also for businesses around the world, including restaurants. While most do not want to go back to this era, which lasted about three years, others are treating the pandemic as a blessing in disguise because it paved the way for opportunities to open.
Grubhub has recently launched “Established 2020,” a program that awards restaurants in Chicago that launched around this time, and are still thriving and creating success until this year, 2025.
Honor for Chicago restaurants
“To honor restaurateurs who defied the odds during the COVID-19 pandemic, Grubhub is launching Established 2020, a new award program for small-business Chicago restaurants celebrating five years of success in 2025,” the platform said in its official statement on YouTube.
Grubhub’s senior vice president of communications and government relations, Dave Tovar, is more than thrilled to present the awards.
“These brand-new restaurants faced hurdles that no business school could have prepared them for – empty dining rooms, constantly changing health protocols and enormous uncertainty,” Tovar told the media.
He added that despite those challenges, some restaurants were brave enough to take a leap of faith and push through. Their determination not only brought success but also etched a lasting mark on Chicago’s vibrant food scene.
“Grubhub was proud to stand by their side, helping restaurants pivot to delivery-friendly models quickly. That’s why we launched Established 2020 – to support and recognize our hometown’s amazing small business restaurants,” Tovar noted.
The recipients
Two of the restaurants that have received the award so far are KFire and Doughboy’s Chicago. Each received $5,000 for the continuous operation of their businesses.
Launched in July 2020, KFire is a healthy fast-casual Korean barbecue restaurant that serves barbecue plates of soy ginger chicken, spicy chicken, soy ginger beef, pork belly, and soy ginger mushroom. They also serve salads, sweets, and so much more.
“I remember our grand opening day, we actually didn’t let any customers inside the restaurant, so we took their orders through a window and passed them their food,” KFire’s owner pointed out.
The second restaurant to receive the award is Doughboy’s Chicago. This restaurant offers combo and catering menus, as well as specializes in soul food.
“Community has always been a core value of Doughboy’s Chicago. When the pandemic hit, we weren’t just adapting every day to keep our business going – we were finding ways to feed the people who relied on us. Launching during such a difficult time forced us to get creative, and Grubhub helped us stay connected with our neighbors,” stated Dougboy’s Chicago co-owner Nicole Fryison. “Fast-forward five years, we’re still here, still grinding, and still rooted in the community that was with us from day one.”
Do you want your restaurants to be part of this Grubhub Hall of Fame? Applications for award eligibility are open until April 18th. The big awards show is set to happen this June. To apply, follow this link.