Orlanda De’Paz, Ali Mlilar, Andrew Moreno, Chris Angelo Marinas
Over 17,000 Charburgers with Cheese Have Been Donated Through the “Make It A Habit” Fundraising Campaign
Sacramento, CA (Restaurant News Release) The California Restaurant Association Foundation (CRAF), a non-profit that empowers and invests in California’s restaurant workforce, is thrilled to announce that in partnership with The Habit Burger Grill, a burger-centric, fast casual restaurant concept that specializes in preparing fresh, made-to-order chargrilled burgers and sandwiches, has raised over $83,000 through its annual “Make It A Habit” fundraising campaign. The 8th annual fundraiser took place at the 2018 Western Foodservice & Hospitality Expo held in Los Angeles and sponsored by the California Restaurant Association.
Over the past eight years, The Habit has generously donated more than 17,000 vouchers redeemable for a free Charburger with Cheese. CRAF then offers the vouchers at their “Make It A Habit” expo booth, which is run by volunteer students and scholarship recipients, in exchange for a $5 donation with 100 percent of the proceeds benefiting the foundation programs. With an approximate value of $4 per burger, The Habit has donated a total of $68,000 over the campaign’s lifetime.
“It’s extremely important to the entire Habit Burger system to invest in the future of the culinary industry and, having served on both the CRA and CRAF boards, I’ve seen firsthand the enrichment students receive from these programs,” said Russ Bendel, President & CEO of The Habit Restaurants, Inc. and CRAF Emeritus Board Member. “There is a critical shortage of talent in the restaurant industry that is challenging every aspect of foodservice. Taking a more active approach and supporting organizations like CRAF is one way we can help today’s youth prepare for their first jobs in the culinary profession and pursue a career in a field they’re passionate about.”
In 2018 alone the campaign raised nearly $13,000, completely selling out of vouchers and surpassing this year’s fundraising goal. The “Make It A Habit” campaign is one of the more anticipated fundraisers at the expo with California’s culinary leaders and restauranteurs making it into a friendly competition of who will purchase the most vouchers. Many of these free burgers are typically distributed to colleagues and employees as motivational incentives and to show appreciation for their hard work.
“It’s incredible to look back over the eight years of this partnership and realize the scope of Habit Burger’s impact. They were willing to be creative and try a different type of fundraiser – and it worked! With their leadership, we’ve been able to provide job-readiness training, college access and mentorship programs to thousands of promising young people. We’re leveraging the power of restaurants like The Habit Burger Grill to change lives and create opportunity.”
The funds generated by the “Make It A Habit” campaign support many facets of CRAF offerings including the foundation’s ProStart program, a two-year culinary arts and hospitality management program. CRAF enriches ProStart programs by connecting schools with industry through field trips, guest speakers, mentoring, grants, competitions and scholarships. Currently 134 public high schools in California use this curriculum reaching more than 9,000 students.
For more information about the history of the California Restaurant Association Foundation, its many programs and success stories, visit http://www.calrestfoundation.org.
About the California Restaurant Association Foundation (CRAF)
The California Restaurant Association Foundation is a non-profit that empowers and invests in California’s current and future restaurant workforce. Founded in 1981, CRAF supports the restaurant community through emergency assistance grants for restaurant workers facing a hardship, job and life skills training for 9,000 high school students each year, and scholarships. For more information, visit http://www.calrestfoundation.org.
About The Habit Restaurants, Inc.
The Habit Burger Grill is a burger-centric, fast casual restaurant concept that specializes in preparing fresh, made-to-order chargrilled burgers and sandwiches featuring USDA choice tri-tip steak, grilled chicken and sushi-grade ahi tuna cooked over an open flame. In addition, it features fresh made-to-order salads and an appealing selection of sides, shakes and malts. The Habit was named the “best tasting burger in America” in July 2014 in a comprehensive survey conducted by one of America’s leading consumer magazines. The first Habit opened in Santa Barbara, California in 1969. The Habit has since grown to over 225 restaurants in 11 states throughout California, Arizona, Utah, New Jersey, Florida, Idaho, Virginia, Nevada, Pennsylvania, Washington and Maryland as well as four international locations. More information is available at www.habitburger.com.
The Habit/CRAF Announcement Contact:
Chelsea McKinney
Powerhouse Communications
949-261-2216
chelsea@powerhousecomm.com
California Restaurant Association Foundation – Media Contact:
Sharokina Shams
916-431-2749
sshams@calrest.org
The Habit Restaurants, Inc. – Media Contact:
949-943-8691
Media@habitburger.com
