What's new: Grants available for local restaurant owners, caterers
The nonprofit California Restaurant Foundation has launched its sixth annual Restaurants Care Resilience Fund, offering a total $1,280,000 in grants for eligible independent restaurants and commercial caterers across the state.
Those who qualify can apply for $5,000 grants to help their business and staff.
"The Resilience Fund has evolved into a powerful engine for growth and stability within California's restaurant community, and each year, we see firsthand how these grants help operators overcome immediate challenges while also investing in their future, whether that's upgrading kitchens, adopting new technology or supporting and retaining their teams," said Alycia Harshfield, president of CRF. "As the industry continues to navigate new pressures, this fund remains a critical resource for helping independent restaurants adapt, grow and thrive."
The grants will help owners pay for kitchen equipment upgrades, technology improvements, employee training, retention and recovery from hardships.
The program, born during the pandemic in 2021, has provided $11 million in funding to 2,087 independent restaurant operators and caterers in 50 California counties.
The organization said the grant breakdown went like this:
-31% for equipment upgrades
-21% for employee training and retention
-15% for lingering Covid money loss
- 12% natural disasters (wildfires and the like)
-9% for tech upgrades
-8% for industry disruptions (Hollywood strikes)
CRF said that 90% of grant recipients are single-unit operators, with an average of 10 years in business. They employ a combined 26,500 people in California.
Eligible restaurant owners and caterers must be customers of PG&E or SoCalGas, operate in California, and meet program requirements. Previous grant recipients can apply again for a different location or concept. Existing food businesses that are expanding are also eligible.
Applications will be accepted up to June 30, and grant recipients will be announced Aug. 23.
To apply or find more information, go to https://restaurantscare.org/resilience.
Walmart remodeled in Riverside
The 32-year-old Walmart on Van Buren Boulevard in Riverside recently completed an expansive remodel.
The supercenter, which opened in 1994, is among 56 stores across the state that are seeing a major overhaul from Walmart this year.
The upgrades include a broader selection of options for pickup and delivery, with Walmart touting express delivery in as fast as 30 minutes. Shoppers also will see more stuff on shelves, plus a bigger Vision Center, more supplies and better displays in Health and Beauty sections.
The Pharmacy and Vision Center have taken privacy into consideration, adding small rooms for customers to consult with health providers.
There’s also a new mother’s room for moms who need privacy with their babies.
During a celebration held last week, Walmart also gave grants to local organizations: $4,000 to HYB Sports; $3,000 to the American Red Cross of Riverside County; and $5,000 to the California Highway Patrol.
Address: 5200 Van Buren Blvd.
Homebuying workshop June 13
Prospective first-time homebuyers can attend a free homebuyer workshop from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, June 13, at Jurupa Valley City Hall.
The HUD-certified sessions will feature tips on budgeting, credit, mortgage loans, finding the right home and down payment assistance programs.
Spanish interpretation and lunch will be provided, according to organizers.
Space is limited, so register ahead by calling Juanita at 951-682-6581 ext. 103. For more information, go to jurupavalley.org/522/Housing-Division
Address: 8930 Limonite Ave.
Job fair coming up in JV
The city of Jurupa Valley and its Chamber of Commerce are hosting a free job fair from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, June 17, at Skyview Event Center.
The event will feature at least 30 employers with job openings throughout the Inland Empire.
Job seekers are encouraged to bring copies of their resumes and dress professionally.
Address: 5257 Wineville Ave.
U-Haul gear available in Muscoy
U-Haul gear is now available at El Venado Tires in the Muscoy community of San Bernardino.
The tire shop now offers services including U-Haul truck and trailers rentals, plus lots of moving supplies.
Address: 3512 Cajon Blvd. Phone: 909-474-9238
Company hires
The rebranding and renovation happening now at the former Ontario Airport Hotel has already moved forward with a new food and beverage leadership team. Roberto Perico is the new director of Food & Beverage and Edmund Rek will be its executive chef at The Hyatt Regency Ontario. Together they will be in charge of the hotel's culinary operations, private catering, events and in-room dining. Rek previously worked at Park Hyatt hotels in Washington, DC and Philadelphia and with Iron Chef Japan's Morimoto. Perico, who hails from Bergamo, Italy, previously worked at the Michelin-starred Taverna Del Colleoni, Waldorf Astoria, Catalina Island Co., and The Ritz-Carlton.
The business briefs are compiled and edited by Business Editor Samantha Gowen. Submit items to sgowen@scng.com. High-resolution images can also be submitted. Allow at least one week for publication. Items are edited for length and clarity.
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This story was originally published June 8, 2026 at 8:09 AM.