El Sabor Chapin

El Sabor Chapin

El Sabor Chapin

Relief & Recovery Grant, 2022

El Sabor Chapin

One of the only restaurants in South Philadelphia specializing in Guatemalan and Honduran cuisine, El Sabor Chapin was purchased by Jose Rodriguez Guardado and his wife, Vanesa, in 2020 though they weren’t able to get their doors open until early 2022. Unbeknownst to him at the time, the purchase included $8,000 in
past-due utility debt that had been accrued by the prior owner. The inherited debt created a tremendous barrier to profitability, as well as additional stress for Jose. TMF awarded a Relief & Recovery grant of $70,000 to get El Sabor Chapin current on the utilities, as well as for marketing.

Jose also took advantage of TM F’s Beyond the Grant program and received coaching from George with support from Leah Reisman a Board Member of the Asociaci6n de Empresarios Mexicanos en Philadelphia and formerly with Puentes de Salud, the partner who initially referred El Sabor Chapin for a grant. In the six months since they’ve been working together, Jose has turned operations around from monthly losses to strong monthly profits, created and implemented a simple bookkeeping system that works for him and his business, found a new accountant-improving the quality of his tax filings-and worked towards increasing his restaurant’s visibility.

In Jose’s words, the funds and coaching he received “helped me in so many ways. I have been able to generate more income, bring in more clients, and have more control over the business. We are freer, and we can take better care of our daughters.”

Industry

Restaurants & Catering

Year

2022

Grant Type

Relief & Recovery

Other stories

Chabaa is an intimate Thai BYOB in Manayunk. TMF supported Chabaa Thai Bistro with a $5,000 grant to help them recover from flooding caused by Hurricane Ida.
Jay Pross launched streetwear brand Art History 101 in 2008; it was so successful that he opened his first brick and mortar store on Frankford Ave.
TMF supported Cantina La Martina with a $10,000 grant to help with repairs and increase seating capacity; TMF also provided coaching through our Beyond the Grant program.

Stay updated

Connect with The Merchants Fund on social media to stay updated on grant cycles, applications, and inspiring grantee stories.