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.”
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Small business owners: What...
The Federal Reserve is seeking your feedback in this year’s Small Business Credit Survey. Join the thousands of for-profit small businesses who complete the survey to voice what you are experiencing. Survey closes November 1; link in bio.
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Small business owners: What have been your successes and challenges
The Federal Reserve is seeking your feedback in this year’s Small Business Credit Survey. Join the thousands of for-profit small businesses who complete the survey to voice what you are experiencing. Survey closes November 1; link in bio.
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The Fall Stabilization Grant Cycle is open! Stabilization Grants
Vault + Vine is a cafe and thoughtfully curated retail space founded
We are excited to announce...
Stabilization Grants provide funding of up to $10,000 to help a business stabilize in the face of adversity, take advantage of an opportunity to grow, or increase profitability.
Visit merchantsfund.org/grants/stabilization for more info and when you’re ready to apply, click the link in our bio!
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We are excited to announce that the Spring cycle of our ‘2024
Stabilization Grants provide funding of up to $10,000 to help a business stabilize in the face of adversity, take advantage of an opportunity to grow, or increase profitability.
Visit merchantsfund.org/grants/stabilization for more info and when you’re ready to apply, click the link in our bio!
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Coffee Cream & Dreams is a cafe that offers an inviting atmosphere
Vientiane Cafe is known to locals as a Lao and Thai fusion restaurant.
Grant Blvd is one of our...
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Grant Blvd is one of our inspiring grantees from 2022. Grant Blvd is
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Enjoy all-you-can eat...
o Adelita Mexican Taqueria & Restaurant
o Alma del Mar
o El Mezcal Cantina
o Los 4 Soles
o Los Taquitos de Puebla
o Marco`s Fish & Crab House
o Mole Poblano Restaurant
o PhillyTacos
o Tamalex Resturant
o Taqueria Morales
o Tortilleria San Roman
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Enjoy all-you-can eat authentic Mexican food from some of the best
o Adelita Mexican Taqueria & Restaurant
o Alma del Mar
o El Mezcal Cantina
o Los 4 Soles
o Los Taquitos de Puebla
o Marco`s Fish & Crab House
o Mole Poblano Restaurant
o PhillyTacos
o Tamalex Resturant
o Taqueria Morales
o Tortilleria San Roman
Link in bio!
“Marcos and Alma own a...
Both businesses have unfortunately been victims of vandalism and recently had their vehicles stolen in the summer of 2023. One was a refrigerated truck, which has been especially difficult for `Marco`s Fish` as their fish is fresh each day and requires transit to the restaurant. Now, without the truck, Marcos and Alma`s business is at stake. Nacho also cannot make required pickups for his restaurant`s ingredients.”
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“Marcos and Alma own a beloved, local seafood spot in South Philly —
Both businesses have unfortunately been victims of vandalism and recently had their vehicles stolen in the summer of 2023. One was a refrigerated truck, which has been especially difficult for `Marco`s Fish` as their fish is fresh each day and requires transit to the restaurant. Now, without the truck, Marcos and Alma`s business is at stake. Nacho also cannot make required pickups for his restaurant`s ingredients.”
Link in bio to donate
We’re a proud recipient of @phillysjunited’s Partnership Grant