Editor’s Note: As of March 26, ARP’s gift card promotion to benefit its Employee Relief Fund has reached over $35,000.
Times are tough right now for a lot of businesses, but the restaurant industry has arguably been hit the hardest. As the coronavirus pandemic spreads, restaurants across the region have closed their doors and are transitioning to carryout and delivery options. As a result, many restaurant workers across the nation are facing layoffs and unsteady futures.
In Alexandria, local restaurant group Alexandria Restaurant Partners (ARP) is doing its best to take care of its employees during this unpredictable time.
ARP, which owns Mia’s Italian Kitchen, Vola’s, Riverside Taco Company, The Majestic, Theismann’s, Lena’s and Palette 22, has organized a worker relief effort, offering fresh produce, milk and toilet paper to over 80 employees free of charge.
Through community support and partnerships with International Gourmet Foods, Adams Burch and Keany Produce, the effort has raised over $18,000 for ARP employees as of press time.
The ultimate goal is to raise $100,000 and community members can help by purchasing a gift card from one of ARP’s restaurants. Fifty percent of gift card purchases will be donated directly to employee relief efforts, and contributors will receive a 20% bonus card to be used at any ARP restaurant. For more information, visit alexrestpart.com.
Stay up to date on local food news by subscribing to our weekly Food newsletter.