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Tom Colicchio Shares How We Can Support the Restaurant Industry Amid COVID-19
The Top Chef judge talked about the importance of supporting businesses that are struggling as a result of the global pandemic.
Tom Colicchio took over Bravo's Top Chef's Instagram on Monday, March 30 and posted a live video from his home, answering some questions about the show, the finale, and the restaurant industry in general. With most restaurants offering takeout only during this time, Tom felt it was important to address what business owners and consumers could do to help out the restaurant industry.
In the video, Tom started off his Q&A by giving advice to a small, family-owned business doing takeout orders to stay afloat.
He said, "Look into the Small Business 7A. This is the part where small businesses can actually tap into stimulus money. It's probably another week before funds are available. Talk to your banker. Make sure that they are available to receive funds, and if they're not, make sure that you go speak to a bank that is. You're going to need your P&Ls from last year and tax information, things like that. I would look into that right away."
Another person asked how people can continue to support the restaurant community during this time, besides donating.
"Please call up your member of congress or your senator and let them know they need to support small businesses and small restaurants," Tom replied, adding, "Very important. They did pass Stimulus 3.0, they're going to pass 4.0 and we're going to need that support. So, that's one thing you can do."
Tom also gave his condolences to the family of late Top Chef Masters winner, Floyd Cardoz, who passed away after testing positive for COVID-19. The judge revealed that he would talk to Floyd, his longtime friend, about once a month. Tom added that he's sure once the pandemic subsides, the Top Chef community will find a great way to remember Floyd.
The live video was in support of The James Beard Foundation Food and Beverage Relief Fund for restaurants and chefs — an emergency fund aimed at providing grants to chefs and restaurant owners around the country — as well as Independent Restaurant Coalition. He urged viewers to visit SaveRestaurants.co to see how the government is going to take care of small, independent restaurants during this time.
Bravo and Top Chef stand by the culinary community during this unprecedented time and will be making a charitable contribution to The James Beard Foundation's Food and Beverage Industry Relief Fund. To learn more visit jamesbeard.org/relief.
For the latest, most accurate information on coronavirus, go to the World Health Organization (WHO) website.
