30 May The Hospitality Industry Needs Our Support!
There really is no other way to put it – we are living in a very interesting and trying time. I’ve been fortunate enough to be able to keep my job throughout this time and just transition to working from home. During work today, in one of our leader’s presentations they had a quote that said, “We are all in the same storm but we are not all in the same boat”.
After talking to friends, watching and learning about people’s stories and the uncharted waters and things everyone has been faced with these past couples of months – that quote really rang true for me.
I have friends who have had minor inconveniences but overall are healthy, safe, and just adjusting to this new “normal”. And I have friends and acquaintances on the complete opposite end who’s lives have been uprooted and changed completely. We are all being affected by what is happening in the world right now and each of us has our own obstacles to overcome.
One industry that is really near and dear to me is the hospitality industry. Throughout the years, I have had the chance to meet so many incredibly talented, humble, and driven human beings that are the pillars that make the hospitality industry run. Chances are you’ve had an experience at a restaurant that has changed your life – maybe it was a first date and the ambience was just perfect. Or a wedding at a romantic winery dancing away with friends and family for a night you’ll never forget.
The truth is, in a “normal” world, the hospitality industry is tough. Extremely extremely tough. Between overhead, competition, ever increasing standards – it can be so stressful and hard to be successful in this industry. Not to mention how high the barrier to entry is. Some people will pour their life savings into opening up a place. And at the end of the day, they do it all to please you. To help you create memories you’ll never forget.
Now more than ever, if you are in a position to help, it is so important that we help support all of our local hospitality friends in any way we can. It can be through gift cards, ordering delivery, buying a cookbook, spreading the word about dishes at your favorite mom & pop shop, or even attending an online class. There are many ways to show your support!
With that said, I’ve put together a list of resources below for ways that you can help. As I come across more I will be sure to update. And please, if you know of any additional resources please send me a note or drop a comment below and I will add them to the list!
- Family Meal – All proceeds from this digital cookbook will benefit the Restaurant Workers’ Covid-19 Emergency Relief Fund
- Cook Space Brooklyn – Support this local Brooklyn businesses by taking an online class
- Loring Place Employee Fund – Donate to local NYC restaurant Loring Place’s employee fund on GoFund Me
- Horn Barbecue Feed The Community – Help Horn Barbecue cook up meals that help feed those in need
- USBG National Charity Foundation – donate to the USBG emergency relief fund to help bartenders in need
- Hook Hall Helps – donate to their worker’s relief fund, volunteer opportunities also available for those able to help out
- One Fair Wage – donate to this emergency fund which is helping to provide gig workers with assistance
- James Beard Foundation – donate to their Open for Good program that is helping restaurants rebuild and thrive for the long term
- @indprestaurants – follow Indp Restaurant Coalition on Instagram for regular updates on local restaurants that need support
- United Sommeliers Foundation – help provide assistance to Sommeliers who have been affected
In addition, I would also encourage you to check with your local restaurants directly on how you can help! Some restaurants are also even selling hard to find baking ingredients such as flour or yeast. Instead of buying from your big box retailers, give your local bakery a ring first and find out if they have what you need.
Again, if you have any additional resources please drop them in a comment below or send me a note and I will be sure to add!
Stay safe, stay healthy – xo Jus
No Comments