April 11, 2012
New Habit Burger Grill locations mean major support for the CRAEF
In 2012 alone, four hours of soft opening events at new Habit Burger Grill locations in Napa and Pleasanton have raised more than $3,100 for the California Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (CRAEF), a tremendous outcome as the organization aims to expand its reach in schools across California. In all, the partnership has amounted to more than $20,000 raised for the foundation.
"We are exceptionally grateful to The Habit for being one of our most steadfast and valuable partners, and especially pleased that they consider CRAEF each time they open a new location - which has become frequent in recent years," CRAEF Executive Director Alycia Harshfield. "It is inspiring to see a quickly expanding company making an effort to give back to its new communities, while keeping in mind the future of the restaurant industry."
CRAEF works with California high schools that teach the ProStart culinary and hospitality management curriculum - taught in more than 80 California schools to date. Many schools are in communities in which The Habit is opening new locations, making it a natural partnership. The Irvine-based company operates 54 locations in California, with no plans of slowing expansion.
"At Habit, we're incredibly committed to doing our part to give back, and our diners respect the dedication we work to exhibit each day," said Russ Bendel, president and CEO of the Habit Burger Grill. "CRAEF's mission to nurture the next generation of foodservice business leaders inspires us to get involved and do what we can to ensure the future of our vital industry."
The week before a new restaurant opens, Habit promotes several lunch and dinner services at which 100 percent of proceeds are donated to local charities. In addition to CRAEF, the company often selects the regional chapters of the Muscular Dystrophy Association, the Boys & Girls Club and the YMCA, as well as hunger-alleviation organization Share Our Strength and other local charities.