Historic preservation grant worth $50,000 awarded to Alexandria custard shop

In a move to support and preserve America's rich culinary heritage, the "Backing Small Historic Restaurants" program by American Express and the National Trust for Historic Preservation has awarded grants to four local businesses.

One of the recipients is Goodies Frozen Custard & Treats in Alexandria, VA. Owner Brandon Byrd purchased the property, located in a historic ice house at 200 Commerce Street in Old Town, and reopened it to the public in 2019. Byrd plans to use the $50,000 grant for landscape improvements, new paint, murals, and security cameras.

Carol Quillen, President and CEO of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, highlighted the role these historic restaurants have in connecting generations through food and regional cuisine. She stated that the 50 chosen restaurants demonstrate the power these locations hold for generations of people. Goodies Frozen Custard & Treats was named one of the top 40 ice cream shops in the U.S. in 2022 by Thrillist.

Another recipient is Trolley Stop Restaurant in Ellicott City, MD, owned by Krista Clark. Clark will use the funds to repair the building's lasting damage from area floods.

Reynolds Tavern and 1747 Pub in Annapolis, MD, are also receiving the grant. The funds will support exterior improvements, including repairing the original oyster-shell mortar used between bricks.

Vault & Cellar in Middletown, VA, is another recipient. Chef Kari Rushing intends to use the grant for restoring the building, constructing a new front porch, upgrading the patio seating area, and painting a wildflower mural.

Since 2020, the program has awarded over $8 million to 180 restaurants throughout the country. Madge Thomas, Head of Corporate Sustainability at American Express, emphasizes the growth of the program as a movement to uplift historic restaurants. She states that these restaurants often reflect the nation's global roots and play a significant role in preserving deep-rooted food traditions that define American communities.

The statement by Carol Quillen also mentions that these restaurants often reflect the nation's global roots. She highlights the role these historic restaurants have in connecting generations through food and regional cuisine.

The expansion of the "Backing Small Historic Restaurants" program to include 50 new restaurants in 2025 is a testament to its success and commitment to preserving America's culinary heritage. These grants not only help maintain the historically significant buildings but also tell the unique stories of these restaurants.