Brookfield restaurant surprised with $5,000 grant

BROOKFIELD, Wis. (CBS 58) -- The owners of Arepa's Place received a special surprise on Wednesday, Sept. 14.

Roundy's, OnMilwaukee and the Wisconsin Women's Business Initiative Corporation granted the Venezuelan restaurant with a $5,000 grant.

The grant was funded by sales of The Wisconsin Restaurant Cookbook. Sold in Pick 'n Save stores over the past year, the cookbook brought in $100,000.

The collaboration was able to present 20 Wisconsin restaurants with grants to help with challenges brought on by the pandemic.

“Local restaurants are a vital part of our community,” James J. Hyland, Roundy’s VP Communications & Public Affairs, said. “The pandemic brought challenges, and restaurants gave a valiant effort to keep their doors open and provide a safe dining experience for both associates and customers. We are elated to help make a difference through grant funds.”

Arepa's Place plans on using the unexpected financial help to pay rent and their employees. 

"For COVID, we’re having little bit of situation, difficult situation, and this money is so good for our business. Really, really good," owner Yrvil Perez said. 

OnMilwaukee Dining Editor Lori Fredrich arranged the surprise. She told CBS 58 it was a long time coming.

"We were just shy of that 20th grant, and thanks to the generosity of folks who bought extra cookbooks, we were able to give the final one," Fredrich said.

The cookbooks were a limited time offer.