Like many industries, restaurants were not immune to the natural disasters that spread from the West to the East Coast, affecting much of the nation from late 2024 to 2025. Fall saw the arrival of two hurricanes. Hurricane Helene made landfall as a Category 4 storm on September 26 and, over the course of several days, claimed the lives of more than 230 people. Two weeks later, Hurricane Milton arrived as a Category 3, resulting in widespread destruction in areas still struggling to recover.
Hurricane Helene went down in the history books as one of the most costly Global weather disasters, with $79 billion in damage, according to Yale Climate Connections.
In early 2025, the Southern California wildfires made history. The two wildfires that swept through the Los Angeles area, including the Palisades Fires and the Eaton Fire, resulted in the two most expensive wildfires in world history, with economic damages in the $65 billion range.
Severe thunderstorms from January to June led to tornadoes, flash flooding, high winds, and hail, causing $12 billion in damage. In March alone, a severe weather outbreak resulted in $9.5 billion in damages. According to Gallagher RE, the ongoing drought in the U.S. has resulted in over $1 billion in damages in 2025 alone.
As a result of these events and broader climate change impacts, many restaurants and bars experienced significant sales declines. Independent restaurants and bars are particularly vulnerable and, with extreme weather patterns expected to continue, at risk of closure.
According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), approximately 40% of small businesses affected by natural disasters never reopen. For those that do manage to open their doors again, 25% close within a year.
A study by the Independent Restaurant Coalition (IRC) and Chase found that 60% of independent restaurants in disaster-prone areas have suffered direct financial losses.
A Helping Hand
In answer to the significant revenue loss and business interruption many restaurants faced, the IRC, a nonprofit advocacy organization, partnered with JPMorgan Chase to create the IRC and Chase Disaster Relief Fund. This fund is providing $3 million in disaster relief grants to restaurant operators who have experienced financial loss from a natural disaster over the past year.
Applicants must have fewer than 20 locations and be able to demonstrate financial need. They must also have been directly impacted and sustained disaster-related damage over the last year. National chains, franchises, or publicly traded companies are not eligible to apply.
They are accepting applications from September 3 to October 3.
Restaurant Hospitality shared this statement from the IRC. “Restaurants are at the very heart of our communities nationwide, but too often they are left without the support they need. There are very few programs designed to help restaurants get back on their feet, until now. The IRC and Chase Disaster Relief Fund aims to provide independent restaurant and bar owners with essential financial relief so they can address immediate needs to stay in business, including property damage, temporary operating expenses, lost inventory, and more.”
The Cornerstone of Communities
When a natural disaster occurs, restaurant operators are often the first on the front lines, opening their doors to first responders and those in their communities who are hit the hardest. The IRC and Chase thought it was time to help those businesses who are always helping others.
Bobby Stuckey, Partner and Master Sommelier of Frasca Hospitality Group and IRC co-founder, said in a statement announcing the fund, “Restaurants are often among the first in their communities to lend a hand. Thanks to Chase, we can finally do something to help businesses who have sacrificed so much for their neighbors. Independent restaurants support first responders, feed the hungry, and support other businesses in the communities they serve. Chase understands that, which is why we are proud to collaborate with them on programming that advances the work of these vital businesses and helps educate the public on their importance.”
