The goal of the Restaurant Giving Circle is to help people that are working in the restaurant industry.

About

The Restaurant Giving Circle gives financial support to non-profit groups that help the restaurant industry with financial, health and economic needs.

Membership

The RGC was formed by individuals that have been in and around the restaurant industry as a vehicle to give to organizations that help industry people in need. Each member commits to donate at least $10,000 annually to fund a significant grant to a non-profit benefiting restaurant employees.

The Grant

→ 3 Grants Awarded

→ Total Donations:
    $260,000

The grant is awarded to one tax-exempt 501(c)(3) charitable agency or organization each year. The grant shall be used to support infrastructure, capital improvement and capital expenditures and/or salary or other annual expenses at the discretion of the membership. The funds granted can be used for special projects or capital improvements that can be sustained by the recipient organization.

Grant Recipients

Giving Kitchen

Giving Kitchen is a nonprofit that helps food service workers in crisis. GK provides stability through referrals to a network of low-or no-cost community resources. Food service workers who have experienced an injury, illness, housing disaster, or death of a family member can also receive financial assistance to cover living expenses.

For additional information: www.thegivingkitchen.org

Big Table

Big Table is a nonprofit that exists to see the lives of those working in the restaurant and hospitality industry transformed by building community and caring for those who are in crisis, transition, or falling through the cracks.

For additional information: www.big-table.com

Southern Smoke Foundation

Houston-based chef Chris Shephard launched Southern Smoke Foundation (SSF) in 2015. As a nonprofit powered by current and past food and beverage workers, SSF is dedicated to creating a meaningful safety net of support for restaurant workers with unforeseen financial crises. Accordingly, SSF established an Emergency Relief Fund in 2017 and more recently established Behind You, an innovative, no-cost mental health program for restaurant workers.

For additional information: www.southernsmoke.org

To learn about the grant application process, please click here

Members

Michael J. Hufler, President

President, MJH Consulting. Graduate Culinary Institute of America. Restaurant consultant, investor and operator.

Robert Wagner, Vice President

President (retired), Robert Wagner & Company and NetFinancials, Inc.

Douglas Benn, Treasurer

Chief Financial Officer (retired), The Cheesecake Factory, Inc.

Ron San Martin, Board Member

Managing Partner, Canoe, Aria and Taqueria del Sol (Tennessee).

Philip Hickey, Board Member

Chairman, Miller’s Ale House Restaurants. Past Chairman, National Restaurant Association.

W.E. (Chris) Lowe, Board Member

President, Lowe & Associates. President (retired), Coca-Cola FoodService.

David Head, Board Member

CEO (retired), Primanti Bros. Restaurants. Board Member, Garnett Station Partners, Authentic Restaurant Brands and Potbelly Sandwich Shops.

Tad Mitchell, Board Member

Owner, Six Feet Under Restaurants.