News Summary
Benchmark Restaurant in Santa Ana has been awarded a $5,000 grant from the California Restaurant Foundation to support its expansion efforts and improve its community atmosphere. This funding, part of the Restaurants Care Resilience Fund, aims to help independent restaurants recover from pandemic challenges. The grant will be used for employee bonuses and enhancing the restaurant’s facilities, including the development of an indoor space. Benchmark, known for its seasonal menu, is committed to fostering a sense of community among its patrons while prioritizing employee retention.
Santa Ana – Benchmark Restaurant, an outdoor American bistro located in Santa Ana, has been awarded a $5,000 grant from the California Restaurant Foundation to support its expansion and enhance its community atmosphere. This funding is part of the Restaurants Care Resilience Fund, aimed at helping independent restaurants recover from challenges faced during the pandemic.
Benchmark, which opened its doors in 2019, is owned by Duane Greenleaf and Pedro Arizmendi and has quickly become a favorite among locals from nearby neighborhoods such as Floral Park, Washington Square, French Park, and Santiago Park. The restaurant features a seasonal, shareable menu that encourages diners to engage with one another, fostering a sense of community among patrons.
The grant is one of 231 awarded to independent restaurants across California, with Benchmark being one of seven food businesses in Orange County to receive this support. The California Restaurant Foundation allocated these grants based on the application process, where Greenleaf emphasized the importance of community spirit, a key aspect of Benchmark’s operations.
The grant funds will be specifically allocated towards employee bonuses and the enhancement of the restaurant’s facilities. Greenleaf noted that employee retention is a high priority for Benchmark; the restaurant prides itself on rarely having job openings due to the care provided to staff. With the grant, Greenleaf plans to distribute bonuses to key leadership employees and utilize the remaining funds to develop an indoor space adjacent to the existing patio dining area. Additionally, Benchmark is looking to invest in energy-efficient kitchen equipment.
The Restaurants Care Resilience Fund was established in 2021, designed to provide financial support and act as a lifeline for local restaurant owners affected by the pandemic. The importance of such grants was emphasized by Alycia Harshfield, president of the California Restaurant Foundation, who highlighted their role in assisting restaurants in caring for their teams and planning for the future.
Benchmark’s plans for expansion are currently pending city approval. Other restaurants in Orange County that received the same grant include K&A Café and Catering, 18 Folds, Ceviche 19, Esther’s Taco House, Crema Café & Artisan Bakery, and Nok’s Kitchen. Approximately 2,400 restaurants applied for the grant, making Benchmark’s receipt of it a significant recognition of their community efforts and operational resilience.
This grant funding, made possible by donations from the PG&E Corporation Foundation and SoCalGas, is a testament to the hard work and commitment of independent restaurant owners who strive to maintain and enhance the dining experiences in their communities. With this grant, Benchmark not only plans to secure its workforce but also to expand its operations, ultimately aiming to continue fostering a welcoming and supportive atmosphere for all its guests.
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Additional Resources
- Los Angeles Times: Restaurants Care Resilience Fund
- Wikipedia: Santa Ana, California
- Orange Coast: OC Restaurant Week Guide
- Google Search: Santa Ana restaurants
- Eater: Best Essential Restaurants in Orange County
- Encyclopedia Britannica: California
- OC Register: Land Trust Helping Small Businesses
- Google Scholar: California restaurants
- Locale Magazine: Best Orange County Restaurants
- Google News: California Covid restaurants
Author: STAFF HERE COSTA MESA WRITER
COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER The COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECostaMesa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Costa Mesa, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the OC Fair, Concerts in the Park, and Fish Fry. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce and Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast, plus leading businesses in retail, fashion, and technology that power the local economy such as Vans, Experian, and South Coast Plaza. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, HERESanDiego.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
