CHICO, Calif. - Restaurants continue to get hit hard by the pandemic, but one local restaurant in Chico just found out it is getting some help.

Erin and Rick Kusie, owners of Burger Hut, received the news through a surprise Facetime call from hometown hero, Aaron Rodgers and Barstool Sports owner, David Portnoy. The couple recently applied for the Barstool Fund, which aims to help businesses that have been hit hard by the pandemic.

"It was after we applied that we saw Aaron Rodgers was donating money to the fund," said Rick. 

The couple was notified that they were being considered for the fund and were told they'd be receiving a call to let them know, but they were not expecting it to be from Rodgers. 

RELATED: Join Action News Now Local Business Directory

Erin and Rick told Action News Now they have met Rodgers a few times when he has stopped by to grab a bite to eat at their restaurant.

"He's been a customer of ours for years, since he was a kid," added Rick.

"When we told him we had you guys, he said, 'That's my favorite burger joint.'," said Portnoy. 

Erin and Rick say although they are grateful to receive this support, they hope this will help shine a light on the fact that there are other businesses out there still struggling and haven’t been able to receive the same help.

"I don't think people realize how much of an impact this has had on small businesses. We don't have deep pockets, it's us trying to figure all of this out and make it work and it's a challenge and this is definitely going to help us."

The couple will be receiving a grant for $15,000. Rodgers recently donated $500,000 to The Barstool Fund.