The restaurant and bar industry has been hit hard. Most places in Chicago have been forced to close due to covid restrictions and unfortunately, may not reopen. If you are a current or former Cook County bar, restaurant or coffee shop employee there is an emergency relief fund you may be eligible for (and it you are outside of Cook County or work in other food and beverage roles, including farmers, distillery workers, wine makers, beverage delivery drivers, etc. there is another national relief fund for you; more info from Southern Smoke below or jump to the application page HERE;

All restaurant, bar and coffee shop workers who are or were employed in Chicago (specifically, Cook County, Illinois) are encouraged to apply for need-based aid.

To qualify for this fund, you must have worked in the food and beverage industry for a minimum of 6 months and an average of 30 hours per week minimum. Every applicant must show proof of such employment, so please have paycheck stubs and/or W2s available. We are unable to make any exceptions.

For tips on how to apply and best advance your case, please click here.

This fund is specifically for restaurant, bar and coffee shop workers who are or were employed in Cook County, Illinois. If you work in other food and beverage roles, including farmers, distillery workers, wine makers, beverage delivery drivers, etc., or work outside of Cook County, you can apply to Southern Smoke’s national Emergency Relief Fund here.

More information and application instructions HERE. <3 Lauren