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Relief funds aid Richmond restaurant workers facing economic hardships

The relief funds will aid workers facing economic hardships or health crises as a direct result of COVID-19.
Posted at 11:31 AM, Mar 19, 2020
and last updated 2020-03-19 12:02:45-04

RICHMOND, Va. – Restaurants across Virginia and the country have been forced to close their doors or significantly alter their service as a result of the coronavirus pandemic and orders to enforce social distancing.

So, several Richmond restaurant ownership groups have set up funds to help their workers who are facing economic hardships during this difficult time.

RVA Hospitality

One of those groups is RVA Hospitality, owners of Tarrant's Café, Tarrant's West, Bar Solita, and Max's On Broad.

The restaurant group says public help concerns surrounding COVID-19 has hit their industry particularly hard. They said diners can help by donating to their Emergency Relief Fund for RVA Hospitality employees.

The relief fund will aid individual workers facing economic hardships or health crises as a direct result of COVID-19, direct money to staff for housing, assist workers with child care expenses, and other expenses.

The groups also says revenue from gift cards can help them stay afloat.

“Thank you for your support during this difficult time,” the restaurant group wrote.

Eat Restaurant Partners

Another one of the restaurant groups impacted by COVID-19 is escalated EAT Restaurant Partners, owners of Boulevard Burgers and Brew, Hot Chick, Pizza & Beer of Richmond, Wong Gonzalez, and several others.

While all EAT Restaurants are remaining open for takeout, the group says they have taken cautionary steps to ensure the safety of their guests while attempting to keep their associates employed.

“The support from the city Richmond was tremendous and we can’t express our gratitude enough for continuing to allow us to serve the fine people of our wonderful city,” the group wrote.

“However, in an effort to follow the Governor and the cities mandates, as well as protect the safety of our guests and staff we have decided to close our dining rooms on March 16th. As a result, many EAT Restaurant Associates are now unemployed.”

In an effort to help those associates, EAT Restaurant Partners has created the EAT Associate Relief Fund.

“Our associates are our family and we want to help take care of our family,” the group wrote.

EAT Restaurant Partners says they created the fund after guested reached out wanting to know how they could help. Diners have donated more than $7,000 in one day.

“The amount isn’t as important as the intent and goodwill that comes with it. Every bit helps and every penny will go directly to our valued associates,” the group continued.

The group says their goal is to provide relief to their associates during these uncertain times until they can safely reopen their doors and welcome their associates back.

Related: These Richmond restaurants, breweries, bakeries, and coffee shops are offering curbside pickup