Metro’s Business Interruption Fund was started to assist small businesses that may be impacted by construction of Metro’s Crenshaw/LAX line, the Little Tokyo area along the Regional Connector and Phase I of the Purple Line Extension.

More than $1 million in grants have been awarded since the first checks were distributed to qualifying merchants in April. The fund aims to provide assistance so that affected businesses can remain open throughout construction and realize the benefits of the new rail lines once completed. 

In the weeks ahead, we’ll be spotlighting a few of the businesses and their owners that have received assistance from the fund.

Delicious Southern Cuisine

Adriana and Vidal Cortes. Photo by Gary Leonard/Metro

Delicious Southern Cuisine began serving its fast-casual southern style food on Crenshaw Boulevard in March 2011. The restaurant, located on Crenshaw Blvd. across from Leimert Park Plaza, is managed by the father-daughter team of Vidal and Adriana Cortes.

Vidal has been a chef for more than 25 years and specializes in southern cuisine. The restaurant offers fresh soul food, made daily and at an affordable price. Vidal manages all areas related to restaurant’s food production like ordering meats, produce and supplies, and overseeing the food preparation staff.

Adriana grew up in the restaurant and food business. She cut her teeth working from time-to-time in a number of restaurants managed by her father. At Delicious Southern Cuisine, her responsibilities include customer service and managing the service staff.

The father-daughter pair takes pride in the fresh and and quality food they’ve provided customers the past four years and look forward to many more years doing the same. The family says they’re very grateful for the Business Interruption Fund grant and that “it came at the perfect time.”

To learn more about Metro’s Business Improvement Fund or how to apply for a grant, visit the Pacific Coast Regional Small Business Development Corp (PCR).

Previous spotlights:  Love’s Furniture, Pro Image Sports, Southern Girl Desserts, Sense Fashion, Lula Washington Dance Company, Maurice Guillmeno,