03/25/2020
FEED IT FORWARD. "Never in the course of the past 26 years since opening The French Laundry and our sister restaurants and bakeries, did any of us think we would find ourselves in the state we are in. It’s been devastating to close our doors across the country and say goodbye to our daily routine and the camaraderie we experience with our teams and guests.
A great meal is not just about the food and wine. It’s an opportunity to make emotional connections. Over the years, our staff has been dedicated to creating lasting memories for countless guests from our neighborhoods and around the world. They take pride in that effort, which lies at the essence of everything we do.
But now my teams, comprising 1,200 employees, can no longer perform their roles. Furloughed across the country in New York, Florida, Nevada and California, they face the prospect of dire financial hardships.
In response to these trying times, we have launched the KELLER RESTAURANT RELIEF FUND, a not-for-profit charitable organization aimed at helping employees who are impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. We need your help!
Donations to this 501(c)(3) Fund will be tax deductible upon the final approval from the Internal Revenue Service, and will go toward grants that will cover the cost of housing, medical, child and adult care, and other basic necessities.
With the temporary closure of our restaurants, I have heard from many of you expressing your care and concern and asking how you can help. I invite you, if you are able, to consider a contribution to help your favorite server, the bartender who knows your mood, the chef who sends an extra course, the porter who is integral to everything we do, or the management and administrative teams who work tirelessly behind the scenes.
Be well, stay safe and take care of your family, friends, neighbors, and community; this is still at the forefront of what our teams do, and they need you more than ever. DONATE at https://www.thomaskeller.com/donate
Thank you for your support. We are so grateful." - Chef Thomas Keller