Matching Donations Support Nationwide Initiative to Support Food Service Workers

The Watershed Hospitality Concepts, parent company for Chamber members Blase Martini Bar and Pi Pizza 3.14, proudly raised $5500 in support of Giving Kitchen’s Dining with Gratitude 2025, a nationwide initiative. The month-long promotion in September endorsed Giving Kitchen’s mission to support and celebrate food service workers in Florida and across the nation.  Joining WHC in this meaningful effort were Atlas Insurance and The Zenith Insurance Company, both lending their support to amplify awareness and impact for hospitality professionals across the community and the nation.

Giving Kitchen is a national 501(c)3 and a James Beard Foundation and National Restaurant Association Education Foundation award-winning nonprofit organization dedicated to providing financial assistance and a network of community resources to food service workers in times of crisis in all 50 states.

"We get energized supporting this meaningful event,” said Mike Quillen, President. “Our team is passionate about supporting one another and our fellow hospitality industry colleagues, and so are our guests. Dining with Gratitude gives us an opportunity to demonstrate that commitment and give back to those who contribute so much to our community. We’re grateful to support an organization that celebrates and uplifts the incredible hospitality professionals we work alongside every day — and we’re especially thankful to our partners for their generous support.”  Rob Brown, President of Atlas Insurance, added, “We are honored to support WHC’s efforts. This is important work — both in raising funds and awareness — for a segment of our community that can sometimes be overlooked, despite being all around us.”  John Weber, EVP of The Zenith, shared, “Zenith is proud to join Mike Quillen and Watershed Hospitality Concepts in support of Giving Kitchen’s Dining With Gratitude campaign!”

As part of Watershed’s involvement, all WHC restaurants participated, with Cask & Ale, Pie On Main, Blase Martini Bar and Pi Pizza 3.14 donating a portion of every Espresso Martini enjoyed to Giving Kitchen and Lefty’s Oyster & Seafood Bar committing a donation for every dozen of specialty oysters sold. Through its participation, WHC reaffirms its commitment to hospitality professionals and the broader restaurant community — emphasizing the company’s long-standing values of leadership, camaraderie, and service. The partnership underscores WHC’s dedication to giving back and strengthening the fabric of the hospitality industry.

“Dining With Gratitude is not just about raising critical funds for crisis grants; it's about celebrating the spirit of generosity essential to the heart of the food service industry,” says Giving Kitchen’s Founder, Jen Hidinger-Kendrick.

The Watershed Hospitality Concepts family of restaurants serves Hospitality. We are committed to creating welcoming experiences through quality, locally inspired fare, seasonal local crops from our farm partners & innovative cocktails. WHC employs 100+ hospitality- driven team members in our four restaurants. WHC offers our community casual, lively gathering places to savor craft cocktails and creative cuisine and enjoy the timeless ritual of sharing a meal.  Watershed Hospitality Concepts

In the State of Florida, the hospitality industry proudly employs more than 1M restaurant workers in 48,000+ eating and drinking establishments, making us the second largest private employer and with contributions of more than $77.6B in sales in Florida. Stats courtesy National Restaurant Association.

Giving Kitchen provides emergency assistance to food service workers through financial assistance and through a stability network of community resources. Their mission is to create a food service community where crisis is met with compassion and care. Learn more at givingkitchen.org.