2024 Grant Recipients: American Express Backs Small Restaurants
American Express Canada proudly announces the grant recipients of the ‘Backing International Small Restaurants’ program for 2024. Eleven Toronto-based establishments have been selected to each receive a grant of $19,500 CAD. This program, spearheaded by the International Downtown Association Foundation and funded by American Express, aims to support small, independent restaurants that are integral to their communities.
Program Overview
The ‘Backing International Small Restaurants’ program, now in its third year, is part of American Express’s broader ‘Backing Small’ initiative. It provides essential resources to small businesses, helping them enhance their service offerings and operational capacities. The grants are intended for improvements in areas such as digital operations, kitchen upgrades, and dining space renovations.
Meet the 2024 Grant Recipients of Toronto
In 2024, American Express Canada continued its commitment to fostering vibrant community spaces by awarding $19,500 grants to eleven diverse Toronto restaurants. These establishments, chosen for their unique contributions to Toronto’s rich culinary tapestry, range from innovative brunch spots to traditional cuisine hubs that offer authentic tastes from around the globe. Each recipient stands out for their dedication to quality, community involvement, and the unique dining experiences they provide, making them worthy ambassadors of Toronto’s dynamic food scene.
African Village
Offering a slice of Africa in the heart of Toronto, African Village serves traditional dishes that celebrate the continent’s diverse cultures and flavors.
- Location: 1150 Albion Rd, Toronto, ON
- Instagram: africanvillage.t.o
Bisou Toronto
Bisou Toronto enriches the local dining scene with its authentic French cuisine, providing an intimate and romantic setting reminiscent of Paris.
- Location: 350 Berkeley St, Toronto, ON
- Website: leconciliabuleto.com
- Instagram: bisou.to
First and Last Coffee Shop
A hub for coffee lovers, this shop prides itself on its community-oriented atmosphere and high-quality, sustainably sourced coffee.
- Location: 346 Dupont Street, Toronto, ON
- Website: www.firstandlastcoffee.com
- Instagram: firstandlastcoffeeshop
Good Fork
Good Fork is renowned for its inventive global cuisine that brings world flavors to Toronto’s food enthusiasts, crafted with local and seasonal ingredients.
- Location: 1550 Dundas St W, Toronto, ON
- Website: goodfork.ca
- Instagram: thegoodforkto
Hermie’s
Hermie’s is known for its comforting, home-style cooking, providing a cozy dining experience that makes guests feel like part of the family.
- Location: 1595 Bayview Ave., Toronto, ON
- Website: hermies.ca
- Instagram: hermies701
Island Oysters Restaurant & Bar
This establishment is a favorite for seafood lovers, offering freshly shucked oysters and a variety of seafood in a chic waterfront setting.
- Location: 1165 Bloor St. West, Toronto, ON
- Website: www.islandoysters.ca
- Instagram: islandoysters
MIA Brunch Bar
MIA Brunch Bar is a culinary innovator in the brunch scene, known for its creative and sumptuous brunch offerings that draw crowds every weekend.
- Location: 2140 Yonge St, Toronto, ON
- Website: www.miabrunchbar.com
- Instagram: miabrunchbar
Positano Restaurant
Bringing the flavors of Italy’s Amalfi Coast to Toronto, Positano Restaurant offers a delectable menu that highlights traditional Italian cooking techniques and ingredients.
- Location: 633 Mount Pleasant Rd, Toronto, ON
- Website: www.positanorestaurant.ca
- Instagram: positano.toronto
Stop Restaurant
Known for its dynamic approach to casual dining, Stop Restaurant features a menu full of inventive dishes that cater to a diverse clientele.
- Location: 397 Roncesvalles Ave, Toronto, ON
- Website: https://restaurantstop.ca/
- Instagram: stoprestaurantto_
The Rivoli
An iconic venue that combines food, music, and arts, The Rivoli is a beloved spot for both locals and tourists seeking an eclectic dining experience.
- Location: 334 Queen St W, Toronto, ON
- Website: ivolitoronto.com
- Instagram: rivolitoronto
The Island Cafe
Situated in a picturesque location, Toronto Island Cafe offers a tranquil dining experience away from the city’s hustle, perfect for a day trip or a leisurely meal.
- Location: 45 Channel Ave, Toronto, ON
- Website: islandcafeto.com
- Instagram: islandcafeto
Through initiatives like the ‘Backing International Small Restaurants’ program, American Express continues to demonstrate its commitment to fostering the success of small businesses and enriching local communities with diverse culinary experiences. These grants enable restaurants to innovate and enhance their contributions to Toronto’s thriving dining scene.
