web exclusive

Houston’s Foodie Family Fights Back

Screen Shot 2020-03-24 at 6.06.21 PM

It is possible the restaurant industry has been permanently altered by the COVID-induced quarantine. But in true Houston fashion, folks are banding together, determined to support one another and the city’s restaurant scene. Lots of hot spots are serving gratis meals to industry workers, and others are fundraising extra dollars to supplement workers’ lost tips and income.

This weekend, Goodnight Charlie’s handed out 40-plus boxes of fresh produce to hospitality workers. And B&B Butchers, who started a GoFundMe to support its hourly employees, hosted a drive-through barbecue event with all proceeds benefiting the cause. Cars lined up for over an hour and a half on Saturday and Sunday. “We were absolutely blown away by the amount of people who showed up at our drive-through fundraiser this past weekend,” says Ben Berg. “We ran out of food both days! It means so much to me and all of our managers that Houstonians waited in line to help support our hourly staff during this time of need.” The restaurant plans to do it again this weekend, doling out smoked hot dogs, macaroni and cheese and more from 11am-3pm. Pro tip: While Berg says they’ll have twice the amount of food this weekend, show up before 11 to guarantee your mouthwatering meal!

Here are a happy handful of other initiatives that show just how much Houston loves its foodie family.

  • At The Phoenix on Westheimer, industry workers who find themselves without a job can pick up a free meal on Wednesday, March 25. Please make a reservation through the website.
  • All Dish Society locations are giving 50 percent off one meal per person per day for “restaurant and bar friends,” noting that “some form of proof would be nice.” Customers not in the industry can call the restaurant and buy a meal for a doctor, nurse or first responder for $15; orders will be delivered to hospitals and units throughout the week.
  • Landry’s is serving free meals to all Landry’s restaurant employees and their immediate family members, seven days a week from 11am-7pm at Willie G’s.
  • Similarly, Houston-grown breakfast chain The Toasted Yolk offers each employee up to four to-go meals per day to help feed their families.
  • Poison Girl keeps it low-key and highly delicious with a free hot dog and highball for all hospitality industry folks.
  • The Rustic is wanting to pay it forward to Houston’s healthcare workers: For every hot chicken-and-cheese sandwich purchased to feed a hospital worker, The Rustic will match with another. Call 832.321.7799 to pledge your donation.
  • Hopdoddy is doing the same: Its "buy a burger, give a burger" campaign will feed hungry healthcare workers. Use the promo "Buy1Give1" upon online checkout.
  • Brennan's of Houston launched a GoFundMe for its hardworking staff.
  • New Mutiny Wine Room set up a smoker outside its darling Heights tasting room to serve $8 barbecue plates — which are free to hospitality workers who bring a copy of their W2.
  • Nancy’s Hustle has rolled out a GoFundMe to ensure that its workers retain health insurance and financial assistance for as long as possible.

Know of other great ways that local restaurants and bars are supporting the industry and its workers? Know of ways all Houstonians can help? Email evan@houstoncitybook.com.

AT TOP: A Houston Hot Chicken Sandwich from Dish Society

From Your Site Articles
Dispatches
promoted

Chlorophyll Water, Special Spa Treatments, More: Tips for Mom Bods Emerging from Long Winter’s Nap

Chlorophyll Water, Special Spa Treatments, More: Tips for Mom Bods Emerging from Long Winter’s Nap

The author suggests Pilates as part of her plan for ‘mom bods’ to renew for spring.

AS WE SWAP out our warm comfy PJs for swimsuits, the thought of showing off our bodies can stir up all kinds of emotions, especially for us moms. Here are a few strategic steps to stride into the spring and summer months with confidence and feeling your best.

Keep Reading Show less
music

With New Concept Album, Jacob Hilton Processes Mental-Health Struggles

Dakota Garrett

Jacob Hilton, a.k.a. Travid Halton, at home in his kitchen, where he enjoys cooking as a form of therapy.

PINK FLOYD'S THE Wall. Sinatra’s In the Wee Small Hours. Beyonce’s Lemonade. Three divergent examples of the album as a cathartic, psychological, conceptual work, meant to be experienced in a single sitting. Houston singer-songwriter Jacob Hilton, 37, who records as Travid Halton, a portmanteau of his mother and father’s names, might balk at being mentioned in such company. (This is a thoroughly unpretentious man, who describes himself as an “archaeologist turned singer-songwriter.”)

Keep Reading Show less
Art + Entertainment
promoted

Leadership in Action: ‘Family, Community and Spiritual Connection’ Drives Success for Henry Richardson

Al Torres

How did you get to where you are today? The present moment is a combined history of my family, my time as an athlete, my passion for learning, and my desire to see the world be better. I grew up as a successful springboard and platform diver, however, an injury caused me to seek alternative treatments to heal my body. In that process, I discovered the power of yoga, exercise, meditation, mindset, and nutrition. This holistic approach eventually led me to open a Pilates and cycling studio called DEFINE body & mind. I opened studios around the nation, and after selling most of my business between 2017-2019, I was ready to explore how I could make an even greater impact on the wellbeing of our community. In 2023, I started actively working on a brand new multi-family/apartment concept called, Define Living. The idea focused on offering health and wellness services within a beautiful apartment setting to increase the wellbeing of our residents. Having a strong sense of community is the number one factor in living a happy life, so why not build a community where daily fitness, cooking classes, and social connection are the norm? We opened Define Living in March of 2024, and we couldn’t be happier with how things are being received. We are already looking at building more concepts like this in the Houston area and beyond.

Keep Reading Show less