Laguna Hills' Porchbox Restaurant Gets $25K Reboot From Guy Fieri

LAGUNA HILLS, CA — A Laguna Niguel independent restaurant owner was one of 5 in California surprised with a $25,000 grant from Guy Fieri during Guy’s Restaurant Reboot, presented by LendingTree.

The five beneficiaries selected by CRF to receive the “Help Restaurants Rebuild Grant” include PorchBox Restaurant in Laguna Hills, Lêberry Bakery & Donuts in Pasadena, Rollin Roots food truck in San Diego, Doggos Gus Mexican Gourmet Hotdogs in Imperial Beach and Maya Halal Taqueria in Oakland.

The two Cornell University graduates started their restaurant after graduation. Porchbox is described by owners Amanda and Julia as fresh, American comfort food. Meals come in boxes for one or four portions. The restaurant is a "take-out" establishment designed to be nutritious and wholesome, like a Sunday supper.

The 'Cue box is Amanda's favorite, according to the Porchbox website.

"We need young entrepreneurs like you that are fired up," Fieri said as he encouraged the owners during their big announcement.

According to the owners, they'll use this to help non-profits and give back to their employees.

The Executive Director for CRF, Alycia Harshfield, spoke on the partnership with Fieri and his team, on how they inspired, encouraged and provided critical financial assistance to these five incredible California restaurants.

“Restaurants were especially hard-hit by the pandemic, creating unprecedented challenges for owners and their employees and a void in the hearts of American diners," Harshfield said. "I think we’re all ready to return to the table. Teaming up with Guy’s Restaurant Reboot is an exciting opportunity for us to foster support for California restaurants and further rebuild the industry.”

Fieri, a world-famous chef, restaurateur and Emmy Award-winning TV host, is a longtime supporter and Emeritus board member of CRF.

The goal of his “Help Rebuild Restaurants Grant” is to provide guidance and inspiration to the next generation of restaurant owners as well as bottom-line funding. In addition to the five recipients put forth by the foundation, an additional six individuals were awarded scholarships in partnership with the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation. In total, $300,000 was presented to CRF and NRAEF beneficiaries via grants and scholarships.

“I’m honored to receive this opportunity from Guy Fieri and LendingTree and can’t wait to use the funds to expand into a brick-and-mortar restaurant and retain staff members during these times,” said Avonte Hartsfield of Rollin Roots. “This is a definite stepping stone towards reaching my lifelong goal of owning a thriving restaurant and I can’t express how grateful I am to Guy and LendingTree for their generosity."

Over the past 15 months, CRF has helped more than 1,570 restaurant workers, their families and businesses, according to a recent press release.

Through its many programs and partnerships, the non-profit continues to work tirelessly to address the influx of demand to support as many in California’s restaurant community as possible.

CRF is currently accepting additional support from corporations, foundations and individuals who want to aid restaurant recovery. Donations of all sizes are accepted and celebrated at www.restaurantscare.org/resilience.

For more information about the California Restaurant Foundation, please visit www.calrestfoundation.org.

Support Porchbox Restaurant by visiting PorchBox Restaurant online.