Empowering Local Economies

The Place Institute, in partnership with Fundación Placemaking, manages strategic international funding to establish Mexico City as a key hub for local economic development. Through long-term collaborations with the IDA Foundation and American Express, we drive the reactivation of culturally significant, independent restaurants and 'fondas'.

Our work focuses on two core pillars: providing direct financial grants through Backing International Small Restaurants and delivering specialized professional training via Menú del Día. By supporting these small businesses—particularly those led by underrepresented groups—we ensure the resilience of the culinary heritage and social fabric of our communities.‍

Backing International Small Restaurants
Current program

Now in its fourth consecutive year, this global initiative supports independent restaurants that are vital to their community's identity. In Mexico City, The Place Institute manages strategic funding and U.S. donor relations, while Fundación Placemaking leads on-the-ground implementation. Through this partnership, we provide direct grants to help owners improve operations and preserve their heritage, ensuring critical support reaches the culinary heart of the city.

The program has supported 42 restaurants, providing USD 365,000 in financial assistance. The Place Institute can manage and scale such programs, leveraging international partnerships to drive community-focused economic development.

Current program

Menú del Día is an initiative by the IDA Foundation and The Place Institute, powered by American Express, and implemented by Fundación Placemaking in collaboration with INAES and the Mexico City Tourism Promotion Fund.In this first edition, 50 'fondas' and neighborhood eateries are participating in a comprehensive capacity-building program.

The initiative focuses on professionalizing these businesses through four key modules: legal regulations, restaurant administration, placemaking strategies, and social economy. To ensure long-term growth, 12 selected businesses will receive 1:1 personalized mentorship to take their projects to the next level.

In this first edition, 50 neighborhood eateries are participating in a comprehensive training program focused on administration, legal regulations, and placemaking.

The Place Institute plays a pivotal role in securing international funding and managing the strategic implementation of economic development programs in Mexico. Our expertise in managing international partnerships allows us to scale high-impact initiatives like Backing International Small Restaurants and Menú del Día, driving measurable growth for the local economy.