Restaurants Canada announced an exciting new partnership with Uber Eats today that will see the two companies provide one million dollars in grants to independently-owned restaurants across the country who are facing challenges due to COVID-19.
Throughout the pandemic, the relationship between delivery services and independent restaurants has been highly scrutinized. Apps like Uber Eats have regularly been criticized for taking advantage of restaurants while the industry is in dire straits. Though there has been some progress by way of temporarily imposed service fee caps, Uber Eats’ eagerness to collaborate with an organization like Restaurants Canada shows a great deal of promise for the future.
“We understand the times continue to be challenging, and the transition to dining in will be longer than anyone expected,” said Todd Barclay, president and CEO of Restaurants Canada. “So while we continue to advocate for favourable delivery options that allow restaurants to survive during this period, we are happy to partner with an industry ally like Uber Eats, who are committed to supporting restaurants during this ongoing crisis.”
To be eligible for the fund, restaurants are required to demonstrate financial need, have fewer than five locations, a maximum of 50 employees, and have gross revenues in 2020 of less than $3 million per location. Additional priority will be granted to those who have demonstrated a commitment to both their local community and staff throughout the pandemic.
Applications for the Eat Local Relief Grant program can be found online.
