NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Five women-owned restaurants in the Berkshires received $5,000 each grant support from the Massachusetts Conference of Women. 

 

Frankie's Ristorante Italiano in Lenox; Freight Yard Pub and Renee's Diner in North Adams; Truc Orient Express in West Stockbridge, and Crisp in Williamstown were among 80 eateries statewide awarded $400,000 total in grants. 

 

The Massachusetts Conference for Women is a nonprofit dedicated to advancing women in the workplace. This is the second year that it has provided grants.

 

"We are proud to support these hard-working women entrepreneurs," said Gloria Larson, board president and former president of Bentley University. "We also want to recognize women across the commonwealth who have persevered in the face of extraordinary economic pressures and gender inequities highlighted by the pandemic."

 

Joanne Chang, James Beard Foundation Award-winner and co-owner of Boston's Flour Bakery and Café, praised the grants, saying, "they reflect the importance of women-owned-restaurants in our communities and lives." Approximately 1 in 3 restaurants is owned by women.

 

It is the second consecutive year the Massachusetts Conference for Women has awarded grants to women-owned restaurants. They previously distributed $330,000 to help restaurants pay rent and employees, adapt their business model, or meet other restaurant needs.

 

This year's grantees come from 61 communities across the commonwealth, including Boston, Lowell, New Bedford, Southbridge, and Worcester. The Massachusetts Restaurant Association aided in administering the grants.