These days , the phrase “ feel-good food ” means more than just a delicious or nutritious meal . Consumers want to support businesses that care for and contribute to the community around them . These eateries put Baltimore first by giving back to the people who need it most .
If there ’ s one thing the pandemic taught us , it ’ s the value of coming together . It ’ s no secret restaurants were hit hard during the global health crisis — 90,000 restaurants nationwide were temporarily or permanently closed in 2020 alone , according to the National Restaurant Association — but even at the toughest moments , many Baltimore eateries chose to come together to support their communities .
“ The pandemic left many food service workers without jobs and with great uncertainty regarding the stability of their income , especially for those who rely on tips as their main income source ,” says Ginny Lawhorn , managing partner of Friends and Family , which serves plant-based comfort food . “ Friends and Family has provided [ our ] employees with a set living hourly wage , allowing for a sense of financial security which was not previously possible while relying only on tip wages .”
Today , Friends and Family is open once again . And other , more community-focused measures , also are making an impact . In recent years , Friends and Family has held regular social media raffles that contribute $ 100 in a guest ’ s name to a Baltimore-based community organization or nonprofit and provide the guest with a $ 50 gift card . And the eatery has held school supply drives for area classrooms , Lawhorn says .
Friends and Family ’ s Mexican pizza features refried beans and Beyond meat sandwiched between two crispy tortillas .
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