In 2025, grants of $50,000 each were issued to 50 independent restaurants by the National Trust for Historic Preservation and funded by American Express. The grants aim to strengthen these restaurants, update their buildings, which have some historical connection, and lead to increased revenue. Over the past 5 years, Amex’s Backing Historic Small Restaurants program has invested $8 million by supporting 180 eateries.
“It’s not just about fixing up old buildings. It’s about giving restaurant owners the flexibility to invest where it matters most, such as upgrading their space, improving operations or innovating to meet changing customer needs,” explains Madge Thomas, American Express’s head of Corporate Sustainability.
“For generations, neighbors have gathered here, shared stories, made new connections, and enjoyed regional cuisine,” notes Carol Quillen, president and CEO of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. She hopes these grants have “ripple effects” and sustain them for generations to come.
Independent Restaurants Only Can Apply
Criteria for selection for applicants include the “restaurant must be small, independently-owned, rooted in a historic building or neighborhood, and contribute to the local neighborhood’s history,” Thomas asserts.
For example, Thomas sites Lindsey’s Hospitality House in Little Rock, Ark, a 2023 grantee, that tapped its grant to build a new outdoor dining area, increase seating and establish a vibrant community space.
The grant’s mission is for the restaurant to use the funding to “keep thriving, reach their goals and grow their customer base for years to come,” Thomas cites. Several grantees have endured hardships in the past such as recovering from a natural disaster like a hurricane or facing other setbacks.
Here’s What One Eatery In Durham, N.C. Did With Its Grant Money
The Chicken Hut launched in 1957 in Durham, N.C. by the late Claiborne Tapp Jr, and was originally called The Chicken Box and then Famous Chicken Hut, earned a 2025 grant. Now it’s run by his son Clairborne Tapp III who heard about the grant when he tried to gain landmark status on its building from Preservation Durham. In his application, he described the building’s history, what improvements it needed, and its dedication to the Durham community.
When Tapp learned it had earned the $50,000 grant, he said, “We were truly honored. It honors our history and family and the community that has supported us for generations.”
It plans to use the grant money for external upgrades including new awnings, lighting, a mural, signage and window repair. The remodeling is starting in three weeks and should be completed by end of year.
Because of rising costs and tariffs, the grant helps because “We had to find creative ways to manage expenses without compromising our quality,” Tapp explains.
Chicken Hut is known for its fried chicken, which stems from his dad’s recipe, baked chicken with gravy, smothered pork chops, daily specials like oxtail, coconut pie and freshly cooked vegetables.
Tapp expects the renovations will boost revenue. “The first thing you see when you arrive is the appearance and now you’ll see a revived building,” he says, which can help attract new customers.
Battered By The Water, A Ct. Seafood Shack Is Renovated
Haring’s Noank, a seafood restaurant along the water in Noank, Ct., was boosted by it $50,000 National Trust for Historic Prevention grant, says its managing partner, Nick Georgetti who acquired it in January 2024. It’s located on the mouth of the Mystic River where it meets Fishers Island Sound, and Georgetti describes Noank as a town that “takes its history very seriously.”
“Noank has always been connected to the sea and boat building, sailmakers, fisherman, lobstermen, and oystermen have always been a part of the economy,” he points out.
Harings Noank has been operating since 1931, starting as Haring’s Marina and going through several name changes. Its menu showcases native seafood, lobster rolls, local veggies and classic New England summer food and works closely with local fishermen and lobstermen.
Because of its proximity to the sea, its Lobster Shack was in severe disrepair, Georgetti reports, explaining why they applied for the grant. “There’s no question that saltwater, floodtides, high winds and sun have impacted the structure,” he adds. He expects that the rebuilding will be completed by winter.
Having won the grant, its plan is to “restore the building, keeping its original footprint and design,” he says. They’re hoping to return live lobster tanks on site, which had been in place years ago.
“Receiving this grant will allow us to budget for much needed repairs that previously were not in our budget,” Georgetti notes. Showcasing this historic building should lead to “return visits and positive word of mouth” and increased revenue, he says.
Bottom-line, Madge Thomas from American Express says, these grants “empower small restaurant owners to meet their evolving needs and keep serving their communities.”