6 Arlington Heights Restaurants Receive Small Business Relief Grants

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, IL — The pandemic was especially difficult for restaurants and hotels, with many closing their doors permanently because of the decline in business. In Illinois, a Back to Business grant program was set up to help businesses recover.

The B2B program has provided more than $535 million to more than 15,000 businesses since the start of the pandemic, according to the Illinois Department of Commerce.

"Many small businesses are still recovering from the financial impact of the last few years," said State Senator Ann Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights), who oversees a district that includes 14 restaurants which received a total of $610,000. "The Back to Business program has provided a vital investment in the hardest-hit industries in our state, including restaurants, allowing them to continue providing services our communities enjoy and rely on."

For the latest round of grants, businesses could submit applications between April 5 and May 10. Businesses across the state were awarded $175 million in this round of funding. A number of local businesses in Arlington Heights benefited from the program, including:

• Alekhya International Inc. (Dunkin' Donuts), Arlington Heights, $50,000
• SA Investments LLC, Arlington Heights, $50,000
• AR Ostrowski Inc. (Somebody's Pub & Grill), Arlington Heights, $20,000
• Arlington Ale House LTD, Arlington Heights, $50,000
• Clean Fork LLC (Salsa 17), Arlington Heights, $50,000
• Garage Tavern Group LLC (Cortland's Garage Tavern and Grill), Arlington Heights, $50,000
• Pure Juice Café Inc., Arlington Heights, $50,000
• Arlington Heights LLC (Doubletree By Hilton Hotel Chicago), Arlington Heights, $207,418
• Izabella HMC-LLC (Holiday Inn Express Chicago), Arlington Heights, $96,684