By WKTV Staff
joanne@wktv.org
After providing more than 3,000 free family meals in 30 days to the areas unemployed, the owners of the popular Garage Bar & Grill (819 Ottawa Avenue) announce they are continuing its pledge to provide 100 free meals per day through May 5. Once complete, the Garage Bar Cares initiative will have provided 4,500 free meals to those in need.
Although the program was set to expire April 20, Garage Bar & Grill owners saw the powerful impact this program has made on the community so they decided to extend the giveaways.
“It’s more than just providing food, it’s about providing hope and comfort,” said Garage Bar & Grill proprietor Kevin Farhat. “We have heard so many wonderful stories of how Garage Bar Cares has helps families and also spurred other giveaways and support efforts, so we just want to keep it going a little longer. Our sponsors were on board to extend the program and we had a new sponsor step up (Anderson Neitzel Investment Group of Wells Fargo Advisors), so we’re keeping our sleeves rolled up and continue serving.”
Launched Friday, March 20, Garage Bar Cares takes the first 100 people to call the Garage Bar’s Grand Rapids location starting at 10 a.m. each day to submit their order for a free meal to be picked up during operating hours. It’s an idea that Garage proprietor Kevin Farhat, along with Garage Bar owners Max Benedict, Dave Levitt and Brad Rosely, hoped would inspire others to find unique ways to help those in need during this unsettling period.
“Our goal was just to get this idea off the ground and provide some relief to those in need,“ said Dave Levitt, partner, Third Coast Development and one of the four Garage Bar owners. “But as soon as we mentioned this to other local business owners, itreally took off. We’re grateful to our sponsors who have helped support this effort, and we’re very excited to see other restaurants and businesses create some type of giveaway initiative.”
The target audience for the first month of the program was focused on anyone who has been recently downsized or temporarily laid off from their job. For the extended period, new audiences are being targeted, including area first responders and organizers of Grand Rapids Service Industry Network Donations, which is a volunteer initiative that provides food and supplies to out-of-work service industry workers.
“The Grand Rapids food service industry is a tight-knit community, so we felt it necessary to help out our brothers and sisters in the industry,” Farhat said.
Individuals can call the Garage’s North Monroe District location at (616) 454-0321 with their name and order and select their pick up time. Callers will be able to order any item off the menu up to 2 people. Owners are asking that guests limit their order to once per day.
Aside from Garage Bar owners, Mercantile Bank, Pioneer Construction, Car City, Custer Office, Century Flooring, EatGR, InsureIt, Anderson Neitzel Investment Group of Wells Fargo Advisors, an anonymous family and private donations have helped cover the expenses of the initiative. The Garage Bar is welcoming additional participation in the effort. Interested parties can learn more about sponsoring meals or making financial contributions by contacting Kevin Farhat at (616) 454-0321.
“It’s the community supporting those in need, which is keeping our staff employed,” Farhat explained. “The kindness of our community is really on display here.”
Garage Bar and Grill remains open for delivery and take out customers, as well, including beer and wine sales.
For more information on the Grand Rapids Garage Bar & Grill, log on to their Facebook page or website www.garagebargr.com.
