Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot on Monday joined One Fair Wage to announce the creation of the High Road Kitchens Program in Chicago. Funded and administered by One Fair Wage, this $1 million program will provide grants to participating restaurants that commit to pay their employees a living wage by 2026 and providing free meals to community members in need. This program builds on Mayor Lightfoot’s commitment to supporting business and employees affected by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and fighting for an equitable workplace and protections for all workers.

The High Road Kitchens program is rolling out in Chicago after successfully launching in California, New York City, Detroit and Boston. To be eligible, businesses must have annual revenue of under $3 million and have experienced financial loss due to COVID-19 totaling 25 percent of their annual revenue. Participating restaurants must commit to increasing their worker’s non-tipped wages to $15/hour by 2026. Grants will be distributed to participating restaurants in $10,000 increments for each 500 free meals they serve for community members in need, with a maximum grant size of $30,000 per establishment. Restaurants that are interested in participating can email mikey@highroadrestaurants.org.