This November, generosity takes center stage as restaurants blend flavor with philanthropy. From special menus to creative fundraising events, local eateries are finding delicious ways to support local causes.
Salt + Lime Modern Mexican Grill (9397 E. Shea Blvd., Scottsdale and other Valley locations; SaltAndLimeAZ.com), which now has locations in Cave Creek and Arcadia in addition to its long-standing Scottsdale outpost, has launched its “Chips for Charity” program to support nonprofits and organizations that contribute positively to the community. With every $5 unlimited homemade chips and salsa purchase, a portion of the proceeds is donated to a selected charity each month. For November, the beneficiary is the local nonprofit GIGI's Playhouse, which offers free educational, therapeutic, and career programs for individuals with Down syndrome.
Picazzo's Healthy Italian Kitchen (7325 E. Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd., Scottsdale and other Valley locations; Picazzos.com) has a similar program at all of its Arizona locations—including both the Scottsdale and Paradise Valley locations—in place called “Raising for Rett.” Through it, $1 from every ice cream cookie skillet benefits Rett Syndrome Research Trust, which seeks to find a cure for the rare neurological disease. The cause is a personal one for the eatery as managing partner Chris Disney’s young daughter lives with the condition. The dessert is gluten-free and dairy-free, except for the gelato.
The Gladly, Wildflower Bread Company, Angry Crab Shack, and Ling & Louie’s also have impressive philanthropic initiatives.
When The Gladly (2201 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix; TheGladly.com) opened its doors in 2014, it did so with a philanthropic program called the “Ice Ball Initiative.” Through this, guests can order a signature cocktail, mocktail, or soft drink at the restaurant, accompanied by a large-format cube made by Artisan ice, for an enhanced fee. The cube is created from an ice block tableside, and $1 from every sale benefits a local community project. Currently, they are benefiting The Hope Fund, which supports programs that are essential to family-centered care at Phoenix Children’s Hospital. Past beneficiaries include Save the Family, Navajo Water Project, and Gabriel’s Angels.
For more than a decade, Wildflower Bread Company (multiple locations in Scottsdale and throughout the Valley; WildflowerBread.com) has partnered with Child Crisis Arizona on a series of “dine for a cause” initiatives, donating a portion of sales from a revolving array of seasonal goodies to the nonprofit, which serves vulnerable children and families in Arizona and is committed to preventing child abuse and neglect through education and intervention. Child Crisis Arizona offers emergency shelter and residential care for children and youth from birth to 21 and offers foster care and adoption services, early education, as well as community-wide parenting classes, workshops, support groups, and much more. When visiting Wildflower, there's no need to select a singular menu item to support the cause; simply order anything from the menu and Wildflower takes care of a regular donation. Since igniting the partnership in 2007, the Wildflower has given hundreds of thousands of dollars via in-kind support and financial donations to Child Crisis Arizona’s programming across the state.
All year, Angry Crab Shack (8909 Talking Stick Way, Scottsdale and other Valley locations; AngryCrabShack.com) donates $1 from the sale of every order of both seasoned fries and root beer floats to Phoenix Children’s Foundation. Each of the brand’s 12 Arizona locations is in on the program, which supports Phoenix Children’s mission to advance hope, healing, and world-class health care for children and their families.
As part of its “Big-Hearted Brunch” initiative, Ling & Louie's Asian Bar and Grill (9397 E. Shea Blvd., Scottsdale and also in Chandler; LingAndLouies.com) is donating a portion of brunch sales to Circle the City, which provides healthcare and hope to thousands of men, women, and children facing homelessness in Maricopa County. This is the latest in community outreach programs for the restaurant, which also includes partnerships with the Boys & Girls Clubs, Alzheimer’s Association, and Child Crisis Arizona on fundraising efforts.
Some eateries choose to give back through alternative partnerships, like Chompie's Restaurant, Deli, and Bakery (301 E. Shea Blvd., Scottsdale as well as other Valley locations; Chompies.com). Every year, Chompie’s donates over $100,000 to various nonprofit organizations. Chompie’s has both a "Chompie’s Cares Dining Event" initiative and a "Gift Card Restaurant Fundraiser." When an organization holds a Chompie’s Cares Dining Event, 15% of the proceeds from the event attendance is donated back to the organization, and through the Gift Card Fundraiser, organizations sell $25 restaurant gift cards, earning $5 from every card sold.
Finally, at both the Joy Bus Diner and Pizza to the Rescue, the sole focus is on giving back.
The Joy Bus Diner (10401 N. 32nd St., Phoenix; JoyBus.org) exists to raise funds for The Joy Bus, a program that employs compassionate volunteers to deliver healthy, chef-inspired meals to homebound cancer patients across the Valley. Both the diner and the organization are the brainchild of hospitality veteran Jennifer Caraway, who supported a dear friend—named Joy—during her battle with ovarian cancer through comforting food deliveries.
Pizza to the Rescue (2601 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix; PizzaToTheRescuePHX.com) is owned in partnership with Almost There Rescue, a local nonprofit located next door that focuses on rescuing, fostering, and adopting out pregnant dogs and their puppies. In addition to menu proceeds benefiting the rescue, the restaurant’s patio welcomes Almost There puppies nightly from 5 to 7 p.m. so they can play with diners.