Parsippany's Empire Diner Receives $15K COVID-Relief Grant

PARSIPPANY, NJ — A popular Parsippany restaurant just received a boost. Morris County and township officials delivered a $15,000 grant Thursday to Empire Diner.

The funds come from the Morris County Small Business Grant program. Under the program, county officials dedicated $10 million in grants to small businesses and nonprofits hit with pandemic-related expenses. The money comes from the American Rescue Plan — a federal COVID-relief passed in March 2021.

Morris County Commissioner Stephen Shaw and Parsippany Township Council Vice President Loretta Gragnani delivered the $15,000 check to Frank Shizas, son of owner Bobby Shizas.

"We are very thankful for this. It is very helpful," Frank Shizas said, noting that restaurants are still working to recover from pandemic setbacks.

Applications for the small-business grant program close Sept. 30. The funding helps cover pandemic-related expenses incurred after March 3, 2021, such as rent and mortgage payments.

Each business or nonprofit can receive up to $15,000. The Morris County Board of Commissioners will have approved 723 applications by the time submissions close, according to county officials.

Federal guidelines covering the grant program will determine exactly which expenses qualify for coverage and which applications may be approved. But county officials have encouraged applicants to include all costs they believe qualify for the grant, even if the total exceeds $15,000.