Guy Fieri Surprises SD Food Truck & Hot Dog Joint With $25K Grant

SAN DIEGO COUNTY, CA — Rollin Roots food truck in San Diego and Doggos Gus Mexican Gourmet Hot Dogs in Imperial Beach were among five restaurants in California to receive $25,000 grants last month from the California Restaurant Foundation and Guy Fieri's "Restaurant Reboot."

“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.

Rollin Roots, with its truck parked at 8040 Armour St. in Kearny Mesa, specializes in such vegan fare as "sandos," (like the "Texas In Cali," with BBQ jackfruit, slaw, pickles, tomatoes and veggies) loaded fries and rice bowls.

“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," Hartsfield added.

And Doggos, at 805 Seacoast Drive in Imperial Beach, has amassed a loyal following for its signature, bacon-wrapped dogs, with such add-ons as shrimp, chipotle, grilled onions, jalapenos and guacamole crema, plus churros and street corn.

“We’re proud to partner with Guy and his team to inspire, encourage and provide financial assistance to these five incredible California restaurants during this critical time,” said Alycia Harshfield, executive director for CRF, an industry-supporting nonprofit. “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.

Along with Rollin Roots and Doggos Gus, other Golden State eateries selected for the “Help Restaurants Rebuild Grant” included PorchBox Restaurant in Laguna Hills, Lêberry Bakery & Donuts in Pasadena and Maya Halal Taqueria in Oakland.

"I think we’re all ready to return to the table," Harshfield added. "Teaming up with 'Guy’s Restaurant Reboot' is an exciting opportunity for us to foster support for California restaurants and further rebuild the industry.”

Food Network's Emmy Award-winning TV host and chef Fieri, is a longtime supporter
and Emeritus board member of CRF. His “Help Rebuild Restaurants Grant” effort aims to guide and inspire the next generation of restaurant owners, as well as bottom-line funding.

Follow this link for more info on Doggos Gus, here for Rollin Roots or here to read more on Fieri's "Restaurant Reboot."

For more information about the California Restaurant Foundation, visit this link, where donations are accepted.

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