National Trust for Historic Preservation and American Express Launch Applications for Fifth Year of "Backing Historic Small Restaurants" Grant Program

WASHINGTON, May 16, 2025 ~ The National Trust for Historic Preservation, in partnership with American Express, has announced the opening of applications for their Backing Historic Small Restaurants (BHSR) grant program. This initiative aims to support small and independent restaurants in preserving their histories, celebrating their cuisines, and boosting their local economies.

Now in its fifth year, the BHSR program will provide $2.5 million in grants to 50 historic restaurants across the United States. Over the past four years, the program has already distributed over $5 million to 130 restaurant owners in all 50 states who have faced economic hardship or disasters.

This year's program is part of American Express' larger "Backing Small" grants program, which also includes the launch of their Backing International Small Restaurants program. Together, these programs will provide a total of $3.95 million in funding and resources to restaurants around the world by 2025.

Madge Thomas, Head of Corporate Sustainability and President of American Express Foundation, expressed pride in supporting local champions who strengthen their communities through food. "We aim to offer restaurants the support they need to expand, innovate, update their spaces, and improve operations," she said. "This will allow them to continue growing and bringing vitality to neighborhoods across the U.S. and around the world."

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Carol Quillen, President and CEO of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, also praised American Express as an invaluable partner in their efforts to strengthen neighborhoods by supporting small businesses like restaurants.

Past grantees have spoken highly of the impact that this funding has had on their businesses. Stephen Reeve, owner of New York Café in Ketchikan, Alaska - which holds the title of being the state's longest operating restaurant - was a recipient of the BHSR grant in 2024. With this support, he was able to restore key elements of his building's façade and document its history with historic signage. "We want to honor the families that created the New York Café and much more of the surrounding historic Stedman-Thomas neighborhood," Reeve said.

Applications for the BHSR grant program are now open and will close on May 30. Restaurant owners who qualify can apply for the grant here, while community members can nominate their favorite restaurant here. This program serves as a valuable opportunity for small restaurant owners to receive support in preserving their histories and contributing to their local communities.

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