For the third year in a row, in partnership with the National Trust for Historic Preservation, American Express has announced the recipients of the "Backing Historic Small Restaurants” grant program in the US.

These 25 recipients will each receive $40,000 in funding – collectively $1 million in grant funding – to help them improve the business’ physical space and support critical operating costs, with the goal of helping these restaurants make an even larger positive impact on their communities. As part of the program, Resy, the American Express-owned restaurant technology platform, is offering complimentary use of ResyOS for one year to each grant recipient. The Resy OS software helps restaurants operate more efficiently and improves hospitality.

“This year’s restaurants embody the unique stories of how local businesses empower communities, sustain cultural traditions, and extend family legacies,” says Katherine Malone-France, chief preservation officer, National Trust for Historic Preservation. “Once again, we heard from small restaurants of all kinds from soda fountains and craft breweries to BBQ stops and specialty bakeries, and from all over the country, reaffirming that, thanks to American Express, these resilient businesses can continue to grow, thrive, and serve their communities.”

The 25 grantees were selected by the National Trust for Historic Preservation from a group of historic and culturally significant restaurants that operate in historic buildings or neighborhoods, who contribute to their neighborhood’s past and identity.

“Like many small restaurants, we have faced many challenges over the past few years,” says Dr. Kristal Williams, chief operating officer, and H. Brandon Williams, executive chef of FishScale in Washington, DC. “We are honored to receive this year’s Backing Historic Small Restaurants grant which will help us continue to preserve our business’ future and welcome in a new generation of customers.”

The 2023 “Backing Historic Small Restaurants” grantees include: