Two of Arizona’s largest restaurant groups are teaming up with the goal of raising $500,000 in donations to support to hospitality workers who cannot work at this time due to the mandatory statewide ban on in-restaurant dining from the COVID-19 crisis. Called #TakeOutForTeams, Upward Projects and Fox Restaurant Concepts have committed to accepting donations for carryout and curbside orders. Starting immediately, all donations from customers picking up carryout meals at these 40 combined restaurants statewide will be a part of the funds benefiting #TakeOutForTeams. Plus, Fox Restaurant Concepts and Upward Projects have invited restaurants across Arizona to join them in supporting, and implementing the #TakeOutForTeams program. 

“Inspired by our awesome customers, who have been asking for a way they could support our people in this time of need, we were looking for a meaningful way to collect funds to donate directly to local restaurant teams affected by this worldwide crisis,” says Upward Projects’ CEO and co-founder, Lauren Bailey. “So my first call was to our team to develop the program, and then to Sam Fox, who jumped at the idea and immediately threw the support of the entire Fox Restaurants Concepts family behind the combined efforts.  In times like these, it’s more important than ever that we band together.”

“We usually have a very healthy competitive relationship, but today it’s important to team up with Upward Projects and our other local restaurant friends and encourage a movement to assist restaurant workers statewide, by raising funds with #TakeOutForTeams,” says FRC Founder, Sam Fox.

To get involved, local restaurants and businesses are invited to join #TakeOutForTeams by adding a “Donations” line to their carryout orders to benefit their Teams who can’t work with them right now.” Then simply set up set up GoFundMe account to ensure all funds raised are given directly to the affected staff members. Restaurants that want to join this coalition can email community@upwardprojects.com.