Tip Your Server’ Relief Plan for Food and Beverage Industry
Relief will soon be on the way for some employees in Salt Lake City’s deeply impacted food and beverage industry.
With continued uncertainty due to this week’s earthquake and the ongoing COVID-19 public health crisis, local restaurateur/bar owner Ty Burrell, Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall and the Downtown Alliance announced a relief program which will provide aid for workers in the food and beverage industry.
The goal of the ‘Tip Your Server’ Program is to provide $2,000 grants to employees of any Salt Lake City restaurant or bar who have been laid off due to the closures initiated as a result of these crises.
Burrell, an actor and Salt Lake City resident, and his wife, Holly, are part owners of Bar X and Beer Bar in Salt Lake City and have made an initial contribution of $100,000 to the grant program.
“We’re hopeful that during this time, when so many restaurant and bar employees are facing uncertainty, that this effort can provide a small bit of relief,” Burrell said. “Salt Lake City is a truly special place and our heart is with you.”
The food and beverage industry in Salt Lake City employs an estimated 15,000 workers.
“I know the workers in the restaurant and bar industry are hurting right now and we’re working to help,” said Mayor Mendenhall. “Our hope is that this grant program will help food and beverage industry employees make ends meet while businesses are forced to make these incredibly difficult decisions.”
The program was quickly developed when Burrell approached Salt Lake City and the Downtown Alliance.
"We are moved by Ty Burrell's generosity and know that there are many others who want to pledge support for our food and beverage worker friends,” said Downtown Alliance President and CEO Derek Miller. “Additionally, I would like to challenge everyone to join me in taking the "pick up pledge" and pick up three meals this week from your favorite local restaurants."
Members of the public can make a donation to help affected food and beverage industry workers at the webpage
https://downtownslc.org/tipyourserver.
The process for applying will be made available prior to March 25th, 2020. Disbursement amounts will be based on availability of funds. Details will be found on the ‘Tip Your Server’ webpage.
Photo: Getty Images