National Restaurant Association announced the launch of their new initiative, "People Behind the Plate," highlighting stories of those who have chosen to make a difference in the world by being a part of the restaurant industry.
Restaurant owners, operators, and the people who work in the industry have been uniquely harmed by recent economic challenges. The devastating reach of the pandemic, labor shortages, rising costs, and supply chain delays have pushed them to the brink. Many operators have struggled but ultimately succeeded in keeping employees on payroll and their customers fed. The People Behind the Plate initiative brings to light the many ways these small business owners have addressed their challenges while continuing to make a difference in their communities.
The industry is a collection of millions of owners, operators, and people who choose to make restaurants their careers. They are committed to being the cornerstones on which their community can build and support each other through adversity, like the recent pandemic.
People Behind the Plate initially features the personal stories of six restaurant owners, operators and chefs from Michigan, Oregon, and Texas who persevered to keep their doors open.
The series features:
Lance Trenary, President & CEO, Golden Corral
Chef Petro Drakopoulos, owner and chef of Republica Gastro Pub in Berkley, Michigan
Katherine Lam and Daniel Nguyen, owners of Bambuza Vietnam Kitchen in Portland, Oregon
Kelsey Yoho, co-owner of Weekend Beer Company in Grants Pass, Oregon
Jerry Maddox, owner of Fazoli's in Pharr, Texas
CaSarah Pine, Staff Sergeant, United States Air Force
photo credit: unsplash