Photo by Marcus Stabenow
It had the makings of a successful fundraising event even before the prediction for a nigh-on-perfect spring day in St. Louis.
Photo by Marcus Stabenow
Led by Sugarfire Smoke House, Hi-Pointe Drive-In, and coming-soon concept Chicken Out, the third installment in the Restaurant Rally series took place yesterday at City Foundry STL, the entertainment mega-complex set to debut in midtown later this year.
The prior two events raised a total of $25,000 to benefit the Gateway Resilience Fund, which assists restaurant workers and small businesses affected by the coronavirus pandemic. Yesterday’s event raised $25,000 by itself (all of it in pay-what-you-can donations). The amount was matched by City Foundry developer Steve Smith (in partnership with 1Stone Foundation, Lewis and Clark Ventures, and Advantage Capital) for a total of $50,000.
The proceeds were split equally between Gateway Resilience Fund and The Little Bit Foundation, which aims to empower students to achieve their academic goals and dreams.
Participating restaurants included BrassWELL, Mission Taco Joint, Russell’s on Macklind, Crazy Bowls & Wraps, Hot Box Cookies, and Kaleidoscope Craft Brew Coffee.
Photo by Marcus Stabenow
Hi-Pointe Drive-In's portable grills stayed busy all day
Approximately 1,000 cars were directed through the development via Foundry Way, which will eventually be used for art fairs, concerts, a farmers' market, street performers, and events featuring onsite restaurants.
Photo by Marcus Stabenow
Last week, Smith told SLM that the Restaurant Rally wasn’t how he envisioned the project’s initial unveiling to the public, but he was happy that St. Louisans could get a sneak peek while helping two worthy causes.
"We plan to do more rally-type events," says Sugarfire co-owner Mike Johnson. "They keep us busy and raise some well-deserved money, so why not?"
