Grubhub Champions Hometown Restaurants’ 5-Year Triumph Over Pandemic Adversity

Opening a restaurant under normal circumstances is notoriously difficult, but those who did so in 2020 faced unprecedented challenges as they navigated closed dining rooms, ever-changing health protocols, and more. 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.

Eighty percent* of new restaurants close within five years, and in 2020, closures spiked 95 percent** above the annual average. Many restaurants that opened in 2020 were ineligible for state and federal pandemic relief funds, as it often required proof of business impact from previous years.

Despite the odds, a select group of restaurateurs persevered, bringing their culinary visions to life. Their resilience not only shaped their success but also made a lasting impact on Chicago’s food scene. Established 2020 is here to celebrate these small businesses and continue supporting the amazing restaurants that define the city’s diverse culinary culture. 

Starting today, Grubhub is accepting applications for its Established 2020 Award to recognize its hometown restaurants’ commitment to serving delicious food to their local community. All small business restaurant owners in Chicago who opened their first brick-and-mortar location in 2020 and are still open today are eligible to receive a monetary award to invest back into their small business. Applications for the award program are currently open through Friday, April 18, 2025 and will be awarded at an in-person event in June 2025. Learn more and apply here.***

Introducing Grubhub’s Established 2020 Award Program (Full Video)

“Chicago’s restaurant owners are some of the toughest, most persistent people out there, and the ones who opened in 2020 have grit and tenacity like no other,” said Isabel Perman, Director, Client Success at Grubhub. “They didn’t just survive—they built something lasting. We’re so pleased to have been a part of their incredible journey over the past five years and look forward to continuing to grow these partnerships for years to come.” 

Grubhub played a crucial role for restaurants in 2020 by helping many owners rethink their businesses overnight as they quickly transitioned from having a purely dine-in model to leveraging online ordering and delivery systems. Grubhub also reduced certain diner fees, boosted marketing, and provided delivery solutions to help restaurants serve their communities. Delivery orders in Chicago surged 98 percent from 2019 to 2020, and Grubhub was there to help ensure restaurants had the support they needed to keep their doors open to serve their communities. 

At the onset of the pandemic, Grubhub also established the Grubhub Community Fund (GCF) to support communities and restaurants impacted by the pandemic. Since 2020, the GCF has given more than $35 million directly to small-business restaurants across the country. 

Restaurants like Logan Square’s KFire and Greater Grand Crossing’s Doughboy’s Chicago overcame the challenges of opening during the COVID-19 shutdown and embody the resilience this award celebrates. Both have already been recognized with Grubhub’s Established 2020 Award for their perseverance and lasting contributions to Chicago’s vibrant food scene.

“The pandemic threw every obstacle our way but giving up was never an option. We poured everything into making our dream a reality, even when the odds were stacked against us,” said Ben Kim, Co-owner at KFire. “Grubhub gave us the tools to keep serving our food and growing our business at a time when every order mattered. Without their help, KFire probably wouldn’t exist today.” 

“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.” said Nicole Fryison, Co-owner at Doughboy’s Chicago. “Fast-forward five years, we’re still here, still grinding, and still rooted in the community that was with us from day one.” 

Chicago’s restaurant scene is stronger because of the grit, determination, and creativity of the chefs, owners, and staff that bring the industry to life. Through the Established 2020 Award, Grubhub is proud to recognize small business restaurants celebrating their five-year milestone. This moment will continue strengthening existing relationships and build new partnerships with hometown restaurants to support their long-term success.

About Grubhub  

Grubhub is a leading U.S. ordering and delivery marketplace dedicated to connecting customers with their favorite local restaurants, merchants and convenience retailers. Grubhub elevates online ordering through innovative restaurant technology, easy-to-use platforms, and an improved delivery experience. Part of Wonder Group, Grubhub features 375,000 merchants in over 4,000 U.S. cities. 

References

* “The No. 1 thing to consider before opening a restaurant.” CNBC Make It, March 15, 2016 https://www.cnbc.com/2016/01/20/heres-the-real-reason-why-most-restaurants-fail.html.

** “Here’s How Many Restaurants Closed During the Pandemic.” The Washington Post, June, 21 2022 https://www.washingtonpost.com/food/2022/06/21/covid-restaurant-closures/.

***Must be 18+ and legal U.S. resident to enter. Participation in the Established 2020 Award program is subject to an entrant’s compliance with all contest rules and terms, subject to Grubhub’s verification. Grubhub partnership is not required to participate or win. See official rules here.