Richmonders Rally To Support Restaurant Workers

by | Mar 30, 2020 | EAT DRINK

A variety of local fundraising campaigns are working to support restaurant workers who lost income as a result of coronavirus-related shutdowns.

As the number of COVID-19 cases begin to rise, restaurants, and businesses statewide had no choice but to do the responsible thing and close their doors to the public in efforts to lower the curve and contain the spread of this historic disease. 

While some restaurants in the city have decided to keep business going by operating as takeout/delivery joints, this shutdown has left many restaurant industry employees without work and income. Whether it’s your favorite bartender, server or cook, the workers of Richmond’s restaurant industry are now in desperate need of help. Their income solely relies on people going out and spending money. They do not have the option of working from home, but just like everyone else, they still have families to support, student loans to pay off, and bills to pay.

But in these times of uncertainty many locals have stepped up and created opportunities for the community to support the restaurant industry that has become such an integral part of the Richmond culture. 

The late Hollister Lindley. Photo via The Holli Fund

The Holli Fund is a nonprofit organization that offers financial assistance to Richmond food service industry workers going through economic crisis. Founded in honor of the late and beloved local food writer Hollister Lindley, this nonprofit offers grants of up to $750 to food service industry employees going through difficult times. They recently held a virtual happy hour in which they encouraged people to toast and text to help local restaurants. To help and donate to the fund, text the amount of money you would normally tip on a typical Friday afternoon happy hour to 804-518-8333.

Keep Calm and Nom Nom” is another local campaign that was created to help the food service industry during this time. Co-founded by Justin Bajan of Familiar Creatures advertising agency, this website is designed to inform Richmonders of how they can still support their favorite restaurants and breweries. The website has tons of links and info on how locals can buy gift cards or gift certificates they can use when these restaurants and breweries reopen and any other dine out services they are doing during this pandemic. 

Several other restaurant groups have started their own relief funds in order to support their hundreds of service industry employees. Check out this list to help out your favorite sandwich shop, taco shop, brunch spot or watering hole.

Adrian Teran-Tapia

Adrian Teran-Tapia




more in eat drink

Richmond Day Tripper! Waynesboro Will Surprise You

In Virginia's countryside, picture a scene straight out of a postcard – rolling hills, farms, and winding roads leading through the sometimes misty mountains. That's Waynesboro for you, a cozy town nestled in the Shenandoah Valley. With about 22,000 folks calling it...

Science Museum of Virginia Brings Boozy Fun with Science on Tap

Many of our readers have probably heard of or seen the Science Museum of Virginia — it’s that giant regal-looking building down on West Broad past the DMV — but how many of you have actually been inside? Notable for its wonderful architecture, having been a train...

“Smash the Byrd” Returns to Help VCU Children’s Hospital

Dawnstar Games and its devoted regulars are no strangers to a good melee or two. Saturday, March 16th “The Star” ups the ante and welcomes the return of its anticipated “Smash the Byrd” charity event to The Byrd Theater. While Dawnstar Games regularly has various...

Deep in the Cut with Hip Hop Henry & Billy Crystal Fingers

In this laid-back interview, I caught up with Richmond party scene vets Hip Hop Henry and Billy Crystal Fingers about their weekly Wednesday night event, Acid's Groove at Get Tight Lounge. They discuss the origins of the name, their love for acid jazz and rare...

A Guide to The Perfect Goth Date in Richmond

For those who dare to embrace the darker side of love, writer Lauren Vincelli unveils an array of gothic date spots across the city in time for Valentine's Day. From eerie matinees at Dracula ballets to sultry nights filled with sugar baby shopping sprees and...

Grab Your Passport! Vegan Restaurant Week Ends This Weekend

We know, we are late on this, but better late than never? This is the last weekend for Richmond's Vegan Restaurant Week, also known as V72x2, that runs through Sunday, Jan. 28. This plant-powered event, organized by Richmond Vegan Action, brings together local...

RVA Meals Tax Fiasco: A 5-Part Tragic Opera

Hope you had a great holiday and the New Year is off to a great start! This week’s news has been dominated by one major topic and it’s so important we are breaking it down in a free-to-all-readers, five-part story sadly worthy of a tragic opera.  More from Jon Baliles...

Pin It on Pinterest