March 24th: Restaurant Industry & Staff

“If you really want to make a friend, go to someone’s house and eat with him…the people who give you their food give you their heart.”
~ Cesar Chavez, civil rights and labor activist, Project 351 Service Hero

Each of us has a favorite restaurant, where memories have been made and milestones celebrated. Often, a home away from home, with friendships forged with the chefs and staffs that warmly greet us by name. Restaurateur-- and anti-hunger champion -- Andy Husband reflects, “Something I pride myself on, is that my restaurants are neighborhood living rooms. We supply more than just hospitality and food: We’re a shelter, a respite.”

In Massachusetts, more than 350,000 people are employed by restaurants, according to the Massachusetts Restaurant Association. These are our family members, friends, and neighbors. People we cherish, who now face great hardship due to lay offs or job insecurity. Those who own restaurants -- from neighborhood pizza shops to fine dining -- are experiencing the culmination of a life’s dream at risk. There is, of course, belief that the return of our economy will revitalize these places we know and love. That is our fervent hope for them and other small businesses.

Despite extraordinary challenge, the force of humanity from this industry is breathtaking. Today’s #351GratitudeMoment offers just a sample of their generosity and resourcefulness at this time of great need. Tomorrow’s “Good News Bulletin” will highlight more, as well as ways to support their efforts and industry.

In Cambridge, leaders are innovating care and compassion for the homeless community. City officials, business associations, and restaurants are collaborating to distribute up to 2,000 meals to local shelters including Harvard Square Homeless Shelter and Y2Y. Restaurants include Black Sheep Bagel, Cardullo’s, El Jefe’s Taqueria, Orinoco, Subway, and Veggie Grill and focus on healthy meal options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. “We made our first delivery [Monday],” said Michael Monestime of Central Square Business Improvement District. “It was pretty humbling...It’s hard enough being homeless on any given day, and then under these circumstances it’s even more difficult.”

The generosity of this industry is legend and the bonds among colleagues are fiercely loyal. So, we celebrate, too, the initiatives created by restauranteurs for their own community.

This includes the “Restaurant Strong Fund”, a collaboration between the Greg Hill Foundation and Samuel Adams -- who donated $100,000 and up to $100,000 more -- to raise awareness and funds for full-time restaurant workers dependent on wages plus tips. With leadership from chefs Ming Tsai (2018 Service Hero), Ken Oringer, and Chris Coombs, the fund seeks to provide grants, up to $1,000, for basic living expenses for workers and their families. https://www.thegreghillfoundation.org/restaurantstrong/

Every day, our hearts leap as we learn of another act of kindness...another measure of the seemingly limitless grace in our community.

To the fine restaurant and hospitality professionals -- and even finer human beings -- whose passion, expertise, and full devotion has nourished, welcomed, and inspired us...we dedicate today’s #351GratitudeMoment and extend our care and support to you.