A $3,500 Fish City Grill check was presented to Good Samaritans of Garland, Inc. last week to help fund the charity’s ongoing efforts toward disaster relief for families impacted by the severe Dec. 26 tornadoes in the Garland and Rowlett area.
“Almost everyone who works at or eats at Fish City Grill or Half Shells lives in an area that can be quickly ravaged by serious weather,” said Gje Greene-Wallace, marketing director for Fish City Grill. “All of us who watched the storm footage knew, ‘that could’ve been my neighborhood.’ We knew instantly that it was time for ‘Cup of Hope.’”
Fish City Grill founder Bill Bayne started the “Cup of Hope” program in 2005 when Hurricane Katrina devastated the Gulf Coast. Restaurants in the 18-unit company collect one dollar from each bowl of soup sold during the event to donate to a worthy cause.
“We have been involved in neighborhood and regional giving for 15 years, because we believe in being an active part of our communities,” said CEO Bill Bayne. “This program can be implemented in hours and lets us respond quickly to urgent needs.”
“Cup of Hope” has raised funds for those affected by the 2010 Gulf Coast oil spill, and the 2013 fertilizer plant explosion in West, Texas, among others. Fish City Grill and Half Shells also participate in a monthly dine-to-donate program called “First Tuesday,” where 15 percent of the restaurant’s total day of sales is contributed to a neighborhood charity.
Founded in 1995 by Bill and Lovett Bayne, the Half Shells and Fish City Grill brands operate as Neighborhood Ventures, Inc., headquartered in Dallas. Its restaurants are focused on fresh seafood in a casual neighborhood environment. Fish City Grill & Half Shells remain connected to and involved in the local communities and believe that a true neighborhood restaurant belongs to the people. Texas locations include Dallas, Arlington, Irving, Flower Mound, Garland, Southlake, Tyler, Katy, Pearland, Houston, Georgetown, and San Antonio, with a Richardson/Cityline location coming soon.