Employee Relief Fund from Union Square Hospitality Group

I writing this post today because I’m always asked about how smaller brands can leverage some of the thinking that comes from bigger brands … and also because I’m spending my blogging time these days honoring those brands who are showing up for their communities in this time of crisis.

The Union Square Hospitality Group is a collection of restaurants in New York City and Washington, DC, some of the best of the best IMHO. One of them being one of my personal favs, The Union Square Cafe in NYC. I’ve been going there for years!

Great food, great service. Comfortable environment. Perfect for clients. Perfect for a Friday night dinner.

Well now I feel even better about the restaurants.

I received an email from the organization yesterday, announcing an Employee Relief Fund to help their employees who are experiencing diminished wages during this “shutdown” (shall we say). To partially fund the fund, the organization is selling gift cards to be used at a later date. Makes sense … generate some revenue now to help hold things over. We’re seeing a lot of places do that. I’m in.

Well these gift cards do a lot more because 100% of the sales will go towards the fund. So not only are the cards helping to hold over the restaurant, they are really holding over the employees.

Brilliant. So smart. I’m in.

This is something we are asking all of ourselves these days…brands or individuals. Big or small. Local or global. What can we do to help? What’s your experience? JIM

PS - Here’s a link to buy a gift card from Union Square Hospitality Group if you’re so interested! Be well!