OC Taco Shop in Orange Cove is one of more than a dozen local recipients of $3,500 grants via SoCalGas. Photo contributed

The Latino Restaurant Association (LRA) announced that 23 independently owned restaurants in the Central Valley will receive grants aimed at helping uplift their businesses with vital equipment, upgrades and more, thanks to another grant contribution from Southern California Gas Co. (SoCalGas).

The $3,500 grant recipients were announced last week in Fowler at Mi Favorito restaurant, which also received part of a $100,000 grant from the utility that has provided more than $350,000 to date towards the promotion and support of Latino restaurateurs and small business owners.

“We are thrilled to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month by awarding 23 grants to deserving restaurants in South Fresno, Kings and Tulare counties,” said Lilly Rocha, CEO of the LRA. “This initiative not only supports our vibrant culinary community but also honors the rich cultural heritage that these establishments represent.”

SoCalGas provided grants to seven restaurants in Fresno County, 11 in Tulare County and four in Kings County.

Local grant recipients include:

 

Senor Beef, Parlier (Fresno County)

Super Tacos Delicious & Catering Inc., Parlier (Fresno County)

OC Taco Shop, Orange Cove (Fresno County)

Mi Favorito, Fowler (Fresno County)

Carniceria Jiminez, Orange Cove (Fresno County)

Cabañas Restaurant, Orange Cove (Fresno County)

AJ Bakery & Donuts, Orange Cove (Fresno County)

Totis Pupuseria, Hanford (Kings County)

Mariscos el Capitan, Corcoran (Kings County)

La Perlita Restaurant, Corcoran (Kings County)

Delicias La Michoacana, Corcoran (Kings County)

Presto Pizza, Dinuba (Tulare County)

Quesadilla Gorilla, Visalia (Tulare County)

Birria y Pollos El Guero,  Porterville (Tulare County)

SP’s Burgers, Visalia (Tulare County)

Don Vino’s, Porterville (Tulare County)

The Barkery, Visalia (Tulare County)

Taqueria Ana Maria’s, Farmersville  (Tulare County)

El Cesar, Orosi (Tulare County)

Chapala Grill/Visalia (Tulare County)

Flying Taco, Tulare (Tulare County)

Los Panchos, Exeter (Tulare County)

 

In addition to its philanthropic work in the Central Valley, last year, SoCalGas supported the LRA in distributing 35 grants to Los Angeles County restaurants, including 25 Latino-owned eateries. The company plans to invest $50 million over five years into the communities the company serves.