We are grateful to all those restaurant owners and employees who are continuing to make and distribute food for us all in this difficult time. Many thanks to all of you.

For the many restaurants that have not been able to remain open, help is on the way for their laid-off workers. It’s really great to see this kind of caring partnership in action.

In partnership with the @LEEInitiative, @chefedwardlee (610 Magnolia, The Mind of a Chef), One Off Hospitality (Big Star, The Publican, avec, The Violet Hour) and Chef-Partner Paul Kahan have announced that beginning on Tuesday, March 24th at 5pm, Big Star Wicker Park will transform into an ongoing headquarters for restaurant workers relief. With the help of @makersmark, the One Off team will prepare and pack hundreds of to-go dinners & grocery bags each night that will be offered to recently unemployed restaurant workers who are in dire need of food and supplies.

The Restaurant Workers Relief program will be offered seven nights a week throughout the quarantine period or for as long as supplies last. The LEE (Let’s Empower Employment) Initiative, works to bring more diversity and equality to the restaurant industry. All donations are welcome at www.leeinitiative.org and will help extend this service throughout the current public health crisis.