Government Relief Loans to Restaurant Chains Draw Complaints

Sourced from The Associated Press

Some big restaurant chains have obtained loans from the government under a small-business relief program, leading business groups to cry foul even though the loans are within the guidelines of the lending program..

The $350 billion program, designed to help businesses stay afloat during the coronavirus crisis, ran out of money Friday, leaving some small businesses shut out.

Shake Shack, one of the chains that received money, said Monday it will return its loan to give smaller restaurants a chance to get government money.

Congress is close replenishing the program, but small business advocacy groups say changes are needed to make it fairer.