For independent restaurant operators searching for a simple yet meaningful way to support fellow food service workers, Giving Kitchen’s Dining With Gratitude program offers an inspiring blueprint for conducting a promotion.
Watershed Hospitality Concepts, a casual dining group with locations in Florida, recently demonstrated how easy—and impactful—this initiative can be, even when unexpected challenges arise.
During last year’s Dining With Gratitude promotion, Watershed pledged to donate $1 from every Espresso Martini sold to support Giving Kitchen during the month of October. While hurricanes Helene and Milton disrupted operations and even closed one location for two weeks, the team remained committed to the promotion—embodying the resilience and dedication that defines our hospitality industry.
Watershed Hospitality Concept’s support is the equivalent of
2 months of housing, or
13 power bills
7 water bills
40 gas bills
for food service workers in crisis.
The simplicity of the effort—pairing a menu item with a charitable donation—was an easy fit for Watershed Hospitality Concepts and generated support for Giving Kitchen, which provides financial assistance and resources to food service workers navigating unexpected hardships.
Giving Kitchen’s team was able to connect with Mike Quillen, President of Watershed Hospitality Concepts, at the 2025 Restaurant Leadership Conference.
Moments of crisis—whether caused by accidents, illness, or natural disasters—can shake the foundation of food service workers’ lives. National campaigns like Dining With Gratitude give restaurants an opportunity to strengthen their communities by directly supporting these individuals.
For Operators: Choose a fundraising promotion that aligns best with your business. Options can be simple and effective — such as offering a Limited Time Offer that includes a built-in donation in the price of a beverage or menu item. Alternatively, designate a specific item and donate a set dollar amount or a percentage of each sale to support foodservice workers in crisis.
You can also host a special event or dinner, sell tickets, and donate a fixed amount per ticket sold.
Whether you’re part of a large group or running a single location, every effort helps increase awareness and provide meaningful support for industry professionals in need.
As September’s Dining With Gratitude campaign approaches, now is the perfect time to get involved. Whether you feature a guest favorite, a seasonal special, or an item that reflects your brand’s story, your restaurant can easily join the movement to uplift our shared community.
Watershed Hospitality Concepts’ involvement in this campaign shows that participation doesn’t require perfect timing or ideal conditions—just a genuine passion for supporting fellow industry professionals.
Click the link below to learn more or enroll in Dining With Gratitude.
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