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The presence of federal immigration agents in Minnesota has had a significant impact on the restaurant industry. Some restaurants have been forced to close their doors, because immigrant staff are too scared to go to work. Some are reducing hours or menus. And many are reporting less business due to people being afraid to leave their homes. 

“It's really been about adjustment,” said food journalist Stephanie March, “They kind of got good at it in 2020 trying to figure out how to sustain a business when everything is shut down. But this is a whole different ball game.”

. In partnership with the Minneapolis Foundation, March is raising money to be given out as grants to restaurants. The term “salt cure,” is a preservation technique in cooking. March says this fund is to preserve the industry. 

Restaurants can apply for the grant and use it for any operational costs, such as payroll, leases, insurance or liquor license renewal. 

“If we can help in the operation, funding just even a little bit to help along, then they can be sustained, and they can be here for when we're ready to all go back out and celebrate hard,” said March. 

March says she hopes the government could also provide relief in the form of tax breaks to help prevent restaurant layoffs or closures. 

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Restaurants will be able to apply for grants through the fund to help sustain operations. 

Live, down to earth, unscripted interviews that aim to connect, inform and entertain. Real people share real stories with Nina Moini. It’s journalism that doesn’t take itself too seriously and puts people first.

The Salt Cure Restaurant Recovery Fund launches to support industry upended by ICE surge

A sign posted to a window reads, "Our dear Brainerd and Baxter community: Thank you so much for all your support during these hard and difficult times. We will miss serving you."

The Salt Cure Restaurant Recovery Fund launches to support industry upended by ICE surge

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