Business, Education and Schools, Free News Articles, Restaurant, Hotel and Hospitality

Pandemic Safety Training from Academy for Hospitality Arts Helps Make Hospitality Safer Than Ever Before

NEW YORK CITY, N.Y. -- The Academy for Hospitality Arts (AHA) has launched COVID-19 safety training courses to help hospitality workers prepare for re-openings. Foodservice professionals can now ensure hotels and restaurants reopen and remain open safely. Even while vaccine distribution is underway, COVID-19 remains an issue for dining establishments.

The AHA has been working behind the scenes to:

* educate service industry workers on how to mitigate the spread of the virus

* train front-of-house management with the highest standards of safety, sanitation, and compliance

* make sure restaurants, hotels, and events can re-open and remain open safely

The AHA has overhauled its education to meet the most stringent health standards set by the World Health Organization (WHO), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

There are two specific programs to ensure an individual is ready to get back to work:

1 - COVID-19 Readiness Program (CRC) for wait staff and servers

2 - COVID Hospitality Compliance Officer (CHCO), for management

Both programs prepare hospitality professionals for:

* the increase in new daily protocols from cleaning and disinfecting

* the increase in protection of customers

* conflict resolution protocols

* identifying symptoms, isolation precautions, and much more

"COVID-19 safety standards have raised the bar like never before," says Michael DiPeri, President and Founder of AHA. "These programs will increase the confidence of both food service workers and the customers we serve."

The CRC and CHCO safety training mission is to reinforce a culture of safety for staff and guests and help businesses avoid costly fines.

"People are ready to get back to their families, celebrations, and life as it was before COVID. Caution and compliance will be at the forefront of everyone's mind," says Stephen Ruggieri, Director of Training & Development. "Our graduates serve as the frontline compliance officers to make sure everyone from food servers and bussers to bartenders and management are protecting customers and the safety of everyone."

Anyone interested in learning more about the AHA's COVID-19 safety training courses can register for the live training or visit the AHA website for details. Live online classes begin January 26, 2021, and will be available online and instructor-led through accredited colleges and universities as part of a partnership between Lovegevity University and the Academy for Hospitality Arts.

Registration information: https://lovegevity.typeform.com/c/XLNL557I

About the Academy for Hospitality Arts

Founded in 2014 by Michael and Karen DiPeri, the Academy for Hospitality Arts is the authority in hospitality training and setting excellence in service standards. With more than 30 years of experience and 17 years of research on service and standards at the highest level, the AHA seeks to elevate the hospitality industry through a standardized service excellence framework. The AHA is committed to educating directors of midsize to large catering and foodservice providers and individuals seeking hospitality front-of-house professional training. To learn more, visit https://ahaexcellence.com/.

About Lovegevity

Lovegevity is a career and technical education (CTE) course provider to schools, colleges, and universities. Founded in 1997 by Cho Phillips, Lovegevity has over 2200 accredited college and university partners across the United States and around the world. Lovegevity's CTE programs provide skills, training, and education through various learning experiences, including hands-on, real-world learning, and paid internships. Lovegevity builds hybrid programs for both classroom and online learning with career-focused learning outcomes. For more information, visit ​https://lovegevity.com/.

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Business, Electronics, Free News Articles, Regional Events, Restaurant, Hotel and Hospitality

Kiosk Manufacturer Association (KMA) Exhibiting NRF 2021 Chapter One Virtual Tradeshow

DENVER, Colo. -- Visit NRF 2021 Chapter One next week and meet with the Kiosk Association. The dates are January 12-14, 19, 21 and 22, 2021. Our NRF2021 online page is: https://virtualbigshow.nrf.com/company/kiosk-association-kma

Our portal page with helpful links, research, predictions, brochures and videos for NRF 2021 Chapter One is available here: https://kioskindustry.org/nrf-2021-chapter-one-kiosk-tradeshow-january/

If you are interested in attending the cost for retailers is $195 and not open to industry vendors to attend. The Kiosk Association has a limited number of free Expo passes that are available. Contact Craig or one of our Gold Sponsors or members.

The Kiosk Association (KMA) is the global organization focused on improving self-service for customers and employees through kiosks, digital signage, lockers, and more. Our mission is to inform and educate.

WHAT WE PROVIDE:

Solutions
* Retail specific kiosk solutions such as Cash2Card
* Self-order stations (McDonalds e.g.)
* Outdoor solutions ordering and display
* Digital signage & wayfinding
* Bill Payment and Financial Kiosks
* Ticketing Kiosks
* Employee Health Screening Kiosks or Temperature Kiosks
* Software including Contactless, Touchless Kiosk, and AI

Regulatory Guidance

We help establish & communicate best practice regulatory guidelines for ADA and PCI. We work with the U.S. Access Board and are a Participating Organization of PCI SSC. Other regulatory issues we address are UL, HIPAA, and more. The KMA conducts market research on the trends, size & growth of self-service.

Research

The February 2021 research report (130 pages) is being released this month and available. Contact us at NRF2021 for report in its entirety.

Excerpt: The U.S market for self-service kiosks was valued at $2.6 billion in 2019. It is projected that the self-service kiosks market in the U.S. will grow at a CAGR of 16.1% to reach $4.4 billion by 2025. The U.S. market for self-service kiosks has been segmented based on the application and end-user industry. Based on applications, the self-service kiosks market has been categorized into Check-in Kiosks, Check-out Kiosks, Ticketing Kiosks, Self-ordering kiosks, Financial Services Kiosks, Bill Payment Kiosks, Digital Signage Kiosks, Bitcoin Kiosks, Temperature Screening Kiosks, and Others. The check-in kiosks segment had the largest share of the market in 2019 and was valued at $530.5 million. The U.S. market for check-in kiosks is expected to grow at a CAGR of 19.8% to reach $873.6 million in 2025. In recent years, check-in kiosks have become more popular in several environments. Airline check-in kiosks, healthcare check-in kiosks, and hotel and hospitality check-in kiosks are some of the most popular forms of check-in kiosks.

Questions: We are happy to arrange a call and answer any questions. We can introduce you to multiple solution providers to assist you. We have guidelines and framework for ADA Accessibility available as well as ADA and Accessibility consulting due diligence.

Contact: Craig Keefner | craig@kma.global | 720.324.1837 m (text or call).

Gold Sponsors: Olea Kiosks, Inc., KioWare, Frank Mayer and Associates, Inc., Nanonation, Pyramid, KIOSK Information Systems, KioskGroup, Vispero, Zebra, AUO Displays, 22 Miles & Honeywell.

Product & Service Categories: Kiosks, Interactive Displays, Digital Signage, In-Store Technology, POP, Touchscreen & View Data Communications, Electronic Shelf Systems, In-Store POS Integrations, Automated Checkout, Store Fixtures, Wayfinding & In-Door Navigation, and Customer Engagement

About Kiosk Manufacturer Association:

Based in Westminster, Colorado the Kiosk Association or KMA has served the unattended self-service kiosk market since 1995. The Kiosk Association leads the effort to optimize self-service engagements and outcomes using technology such as kiosks, digital signage and displays, service, monitoring, and touchscreens.

Regulatory issues PCI Compliance and EMV are the primary regulatory focus for the KMA along with ADA Accessibility. KMA is a Participating Organization with the PCI SSC. For ADA, the KMA meets annually with U.S. Access Board on accessibility standards for unattended. Additional market coverage includes digital signage, interactive digital, Point-of-Sale, Smart City, vending and robotics. See us on LinkedIn. KMA is available on https://kioskindustry.org/ and https://kma.global

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Business, Facilities and Building Maintenance, Free News Articles, HVAC Heating and Cooling, Restaurant, Hotel and Hospitality

New Study Reveals Fibercare Cleaning Services Save Hotels Money, Energy and Contributes to Healthier Environment

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. -- In September 2020, Robert Mapleton, owner and engineer, RPM Energy Consulting, LLC performed an independent study at an Extended Stay America hotel in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida to determine the effect of cleaning the coils of the hotel's guestroom packaged terminal air conditioner (PTAC) units on cooling energy usage. The test was used to determine whether Fibercare PTAC cleaning service results in lower energy costs. The test was performed on four guest rooms and revealed that the hotel could actually save up to 67 percent on energy costs with cleaner air conditioning units.

Prior to the test, annual energy costs for the four rooms weighed in at $1,750. After cleaning, the cost went down to just $591, a savings of more than $1,185 for just four rooms. Why? Under-maintained PTAC units consume approximately twice as much energy to provide a comfortable environment.

"When PTAC cleaning is done the right way, the benefits it delivers really are multifaceted," Mapleton says. "Units last longer, deliver cleaner and fresher air and save large amounts of money and energy."

In addition to saving money and energy, PTAC cleaning also contributes to a healthier environment which, in times of COVID-19, and thereafter, will certainly be a benefit that consumers will seek and demand.

"In 2020, we've all experienced what it's like to wear a mask and what it feels like when we take it off - a breath of fresh air," Ashton Grudnowski, president, Fibercare says. "PTAC cleaning is a similar concept. Once the dirt and dust are removed, the unit can breathe easy again and run at optimal performance."

Grudnowski adds that now is the ideal time for hotel and retirement communities to plan a deep cleaning.

"When the time comes for people to move around more freely, they'll be ready for action," she says. "We're focused on providing quality services that are good for the environment and also hit home for the bottom line."

Read the complete study performed by RPM Energy Consulting here (PDF): https://fibercare.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Fibercare-Cleaning-Service-Extended-Stay-America-Ft-Lauderdale-PTAC-energy-analysis.pdf

About Fibercare

Founded in 1985, Fibercare is a privately-held business that hires and trains all of its employees. It provides deep-cleaning services to the hotel and retirement home industry and works with management groups and owners to develop and maintain clean, sanitary environments while saving money. It currently services thousands of properties, nationwide. Cleaning services include: PTAC, commercial carpet cleaning, upholstery cleaning and drapery cleaning.

For more information: https://fibercare.com/

Related link: https://fibercare.com/

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Business, Facilities and Building Maintenance, Free News Articles, Manufacturing, Product Launches, Restaurant, Hotel and Hospitality

StallStash Demand Grows as Focus on Public Restroom Cleanliness Increases

ST. LOUIS, Mo. -- From schools and restaurants to healthcare facilities and airports, management is working to find solutions to minimize viral spread by providing cleaner and safer restrooms for their visitors and employees. And, StallStash is working to meet that demand. StallStash is a PPE plexiglass restroom partition shelf that protects phones, purses and other belongings at stalls, urinals and sink areas from germs, damage and theft.

Businesses and other institutions are in hot pursuit of new ways to improve their patrons' restroom experience because, according to the 10th Annual Healthy Hand Washing Survey by Bradley Corp., consumers will frequent a location and even spend more money if they know their restrooms are clean and well-maintained.

"Increased awareness of germs and bacteria has changed our behavior regarding contact and hygiene," Robert Kodner, president of StallStash, says. "According to a recent study, 42 percent of people are more concerned about using public restrooms now than they were this time last year."

Most people who enter a public restroom bring their valuables and personal items with them into this vulnerable space. StallStash not only eliminates the stress and worry of dropping or damaging a phone or purse, but it also protects the person's health and belongings by keeping them clean, safe and protected from bacteria and germs.

StallStash is budget-friendly (less than $25), easy to attach to all standard partitions, and well-engineered to fit small and large items such as wallets or backpacks. StallStash units are designed for all public and commercial restrooms, and are easy to clean. And, a StallStash unit can hold up to eight pounds.

"Sixty percent of us visit a public or commercial restroom one to five times per week," Kodner adds. "And, COVID-19 has permanently altered our attitudes regarding the sanitary conditions of public and commercial restrooms. StallStash has proven to be an affordable and effective way to improve the restroom experience for people, worldwide."

Product benefits: https://stallstash.com/benefits

About StallStash

StallStash restroom partitions are made in the U.S. Its clients include medical facilities, restaurants, commercial buildings, shopping centers, event spaces, schools, fitness centers, stadiums, transportation terminals, places of worship and tourist attractions.

For more information, visit: https://stallstash.com/ or call: 888-STALLSTASH (888-782-5578).

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Business, Free News Articles, Restaurant, Hotel and Hospitality

Stacey’s Old Faithful Bar and Steakhouse Re-Opens Today

GALLATIN GATEWAY, Mont. -- The legendary Stacey's Old Faithful Bar & Steakhouse in Gallatin Gateway is reopening, following a change in ownership and making updates. Stacey's is an authentic western bar and steakhouse serving up a stiff drink, a hearty meal, and live music for over 60 years- and they plan on keeping it that way.

After purchasing the bar this year, owner Brett Evje saw the need for a few updates, like expanding the kitchen- which will now be serving breakfast Friday - Monday in addition to serving lunch and dinner seven days a week. Other updates include an indoor stage for live music, a new dance floor, beer on tap, a turn-of-the-century back bar, an expanded gaming machine area, and new restrooms. An outdoor bar and patio space will be added in Spring 2021.

Seeing himself as the caretaker of this landmark saloon, Evje says, "Toni and her family created a place where everyone feels welcomed. I see these updates as setting it up for the next 60 years and beyond. We are dedicated to keeping the West and the western spirit alive and unchanged."

This is the second update of the historic property. The first took place in 2005 when Toni Crosby acquired the bar from her father, Stacey, and added the steakhouse.

Established in 1937, Stacey's Old Faithful Bar & Steakhouse is a casual western saloon and eatery that strives to maintain an authentic Montana experience and the traditions that make this state great. At Stacey's, you can be sure to find a stiff drink, a hearty meal, country music and the love of the West - all served-up in an environment where everyone feels welcomed.

300 Mill Street, Gallatin Gateway, Montana 59730
406-763-4425
http://www.staceysbar.com/
IG: @staceysbar
FB: @Stacey's Old Faithful Bar & Steakhouse

Hours:
Bar - 7 days a week
11 a.m. - 10 p.m.

Steakhouse/Kitchen - 7 days a week
Lunch 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Dinner 5 p.m. - 9 p.m.

Fri, Sat, Sun, Mon
Breakfast 8 a.m. - 12 p.m. (starting 12/19)

Related link: http://www.staceysbar.com/

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Business, Free News Articles, Restaurant, Hotel and Hospitality

Tapcheck Helps Employers Unlock New Financial Options for Employees with Easy-to-Integrate Earned Wage Access Application

LOS ANGELES, Calif. -- Tapcheck, a simple and easy-to-integrate financial wellness benefit that allows employers to give employees the ability to access their earned wages before payday, has experienced strong growth since first launching. In 2020 alone, Tapcheck saw 863% growth, with exponential adoption in the in-home care and quick-service restaurant (QSR) industries. Forward-thinking employers in sectors hard-hit by the pandemic have helped their workers pay bills, cover unexpected costs, and more at a time when financial uncertainty is at an all-time high.

"The financial impact of the pandemic has left both employers and employees facing significant and unforeseen financial challenges. Employees need more flexible access to their money, while employers want to provide easy-to-adopt financial wellness benefits without a high price tag," said Kayling Gaver, Co-Founder of Tapcheck. "Tapcheck delivers on both fronts without gimmicks, high fees, or hidden charges, and we've seen incredible growth as a result."

Tapcheck gives employers a convenient and cost-free way to offer their workers same-day pay. It is easy to integrate into existing payroll systems so employers can adopt it without having to create new systems. The application itself boasts a clean and simple interface, allowing employees to quickly and securely access a percentage of the wages they've earned for the pay period for one, flat charge similar to an ATM fee. This gives employees financial flexibility to cover a bill that is due in the middle of a pay cycle, or another emergency expense right away without having to take on more credit card debt, overdraft fees or late fees, or high-interest personal loans.

Since first launching in July 2019, Tapcheck has established a clear foothold in the earned wage access category, signing major players including Burger King, Dunkin', Little Caesars, Home Instead Senior Care, and Comfort Keepers, ultimately giving employees the potential for on-demand access to their wages via its easy-to-use app. In addition to its adoption across the in-home care and QSR industries, Tapcheck has also signed on employers across a diverse range of businesses including Metro by T-Mobile and Comfort Inn, as well as hospitals, manufacturers, grocers, retailers, and professional services.

"In a competitive marketplace, Tapcheck is a resource that helps to differentiate us to be the Employer of Choice," said Roy Wu, Home Instead Senior Care franchise owner. "Tapcheck is allowing us to hire and retain Caregivers by providing them access to funds, especially during this COVID pandemic."

Recent attention around and interest in the earned wage access category overall demonstrates the increasing desire for employers to deliver financial wellness benefits to their workforces, but it also underscores a mindset shift that employees want the ability to easily and safely access their earned wages when they need them most without penalty. For more information about Tapcheck, please visit www.Tapcheck.com.

About Tapcheck

Launched in 2019, Tapcheck's mission is to improve financial wellness, empower employees, and boost business performance. Tapcheck's on-demand pay solution improves retention, recruitment, productivity, employee wellness, and company culture at no cost or risk to the employer.

For more information, visit https://www.tapcheck.com/

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Business, e-Commerce, Electronics, Free News Articles, Restaurant, Hotel and Hospitality

Kiosk Manufacturer Association Announces PCI Compliance for Unattended Self-Service Kiosks

WESTMINSTER, Colo. -- The Kiosk Manufacturer Association (KMA), the leading unattended self-service kiosk association established in 1995, today announced the launch of new initiatives in the PCI Compliance space for unattended self-service kiosks. Those initiatives include providing content for the PCI Perspectives Blog, creating a SIG or Special Interest Group on PCI SSC for unattended and semi-attended transaction, as well as new guidepost content from our sponsors and members outlining best practices.

The kiosk association has a standing PCI Compliance committee and a Slack-based working group (free to join). Members include

OTI Global, Unattended Card Payments (UCP), Datacap Systems, Ingenico, KioWare, Olea Kiosks, Lilitab and Self-Service Networks who provide Cash2Card Giftwise.

"The pandemic is fundamentally altering the relationship that business and customer have had historically. Rather than the conventional 'push' from storefront to customer, the ratio of customers 'pulling' from business is rapidly increasing. Online mechanisms are no longer optional but instead, mandatory," says association spokesman, Craig Keefner. "Contactless and touchless are the new cornerstones. Shortening those transaction timeframes whether Drive-Thru or Text-to-pay are the new base metrics."

The pandemic impact on the currencies and payment methods involved in today's secure transaction has also expanded. Cash2Card deployments are rising and instead of the old Redbox DVDs at McDonalds you may soon have a new Bitcoin ATM Kiosks.

Technologies emerging and in-use include conversational artificial intelligence (AI) and all types of visual recognition systems (automobile license and facial examples given).

To stay informed on customer self-order and employee terminals sign up for our monthly news update or you can visit our website.

Visit: https://kioskindustry.org/standards/pci-emv-kiosk/.

About Kiosk Manufacturer Association:

Based in Westminster, Colorado, the Kiosk Manufacturer Association - or KMA - has served the unattended self-service kiosk market since 1995. The Kiosk Association leads the effort to optimize self-service engagements and outcomes using technology such as kiosks, digital signage, and touchscreens.

Regulatory issues such as PCI Compliance and EMV are a primary focus for the KMA along with ADA Accessibility. KMA is a Participating Organization with the PCI SSC. For ADA, the KMA meets annually with U.S. Access Board on accessibility standards for unattended. Additional market coverage includes digital signage, interactive digital, Point-of-Sale, Smart City, vending and robotics. See us on LinkedIn. KMA is available on https://kioskindustry.org/ and https://kma.global/.

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Business, Free News Articles, Restaurant, Hotel and Hospitality

Recovery Rye Whiskey Raises Over $15,000 For Hospitality Workers Across Indiana

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. -- Nationally Syndicated Radio Host Tony Katz, Blend Bar Cigar proprietor Corey Johnston and Crossroad Vintners' Nolan Smith have raised over $15,000 for hospitality workers in Indiana with the 2020 release of their rye whiskey, "Recovery Rye."

Recovery Rye is an Indiana grown and distilled straight rye, available in restaurants and retail locations across Indiana. Proceeds of every bottle sold goes to the Indiana Restaurant and Lodging Association (INRLA.org,) which provides grants to bartenders, servers and other hospitality workers who are experiencing financial hardship during the shutdowns associated with Covid-19.

This month, INRLA was presented a check for $15,810.

"Recovery Rye has been a success beyond my wildest dreams," says Katz. "We've started a second run, and we're thinking about how we can keep up this pace, and be even more helpful."

Said Johnston, "Anytime you have a quality product and a clear mission, you're going to be successful. And Hoosiers from across the state of Indiana made sure it was!"

Recovery Rye is 45% ABV (90 proof) aged 27 months and is described as, "An exceptionally smooth rye with Midwest sublime sweetness that was grown and distilled in Indiana." As of now, Recovery Rye is only available in Indiana.

"We look forward to doing this again," said Katz. "The hospitality industry has a long way to go before it's back at full strength. We hope everyone in Indiana continues helping. Buy a bottle of Recovery Rye, and enjoy a drink responsibly this Christmas and New Year's."

Get more information and find a location near you at http://www.recoveryrye.com/

About Recovery Rye:

Based in Indiana, Recovery Rye is an Indiana grown and distilled rye whiskey that benefits hospitality workers across Indiana who have been financially impacted by Covid-19. Developed by Blend Bar Cigar owner Corey Johnston and Tony Katz, host of the nationally syndicated 'Eat! Drink! Smoke!' radio program, in conjunction with Crossroad Vintners, Recovery Rye is donating proceeds from every bottle sold to the Indiana Restaurant and Lodging Association (INRLA.org) which provides grants to servers, bartenders and hospitality workers in need.

Recovery Rye is 90 proof (45% ABV) aged for 27 months and works perfectly neat, on the rocks or in your favorite cocktail.

Learn more at: http://www.recoveryrye.com/

Please drink responsibly.

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Business, Free News Articles, Restaurant, Hotel and Hospitality

AJ’s Grayton Beach along with Road Dogg Rescue Hosting Free Holiday Photos with ‘Santa Paws’

SANTA ROSA BEACH, Fla. -- This Sunday, December 6, AJ's Grayton Beach will be holding a special holiday photo event with "Santa Paws." Santa will be on site at AJ's Grayton Beach from 12 p.m. until 3 p.m. for guests to take pictures with their fury four legged friends.

Visitors can take pictures with their phones or cameras. Santa pictures is on a first-come, first serve basis.

In addition to the photo fun, Road Dogg Rescue will also be on site with dogs of all sizes looking to find their forever home this Christmas. Road Dogg Rescue is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for homeless, injured, and abused dogs in Okaloosa and Walton County.

Donations are accepted, but not required.

Learn more about AJ's at: https://ajsdestin.com/

AJs Grayton Beach is located at: 63 Defuniak St., Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32549. (850) 231-4102.

Related link: https://ajsdestin.com/

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Alliances and Partnerships, Business, Free News Articles, Manufacturing, Restaurant, Hotel and Hospitality

Massachusetts’ Entrepreneurs Team Up to Deliver ‘Hope’ and ‘Faith’ this Thanksgiving

FALL RIVER, Mass. -- This Thanksgiving, Gary Simons of Simply Simons restaurant in Swansea, MA, and Peter Moubayed, owner of NorthEast Fleece in Fall River, MA, will deliver homemade hot turkey dinners, warm fleece blankets and a much-needed message of hope.

Since 2006, Simply Simons has prepared, delivered and donated made-from-scratch Thanksgiving Day dinners with "all the fixings." Every holiday season, he and his family and friends prepare, cook, box and deliver up to an impressive 800 meals in the Swansea, Somerset and greater Fall River area. This year, he'll have something new to add into the mix - a warm fleece blanket - complements of NorthEast Fleece.

"For the most part, these people are alone, disabled, veterans and generally families in need," Simons says. "This year, we're expecting a huge spike in deliveries to the elderly who are forced to stay home because of COVID-19."

Moubayed has been a faithful customer at Simons' restaurant for many years and the two cemented a friendship over charitable giving.

"Gary works hard not only at his restaurant but for the community as well," Moubayed says. "From the moment I met him, I knew he had a huge heart. What he's been doing all these years is amazing and I wanted to be a part of it."

Moubayed has a long history of charitable giving, his "Fleece for Peace" blanket donation program has donated and shipped blankets to almost every natural disaster and humanitarian cause worldwide since 1996.

As a leading textile manufacturer, NorthEast Fleece recently created two new inspirational blanket designs that give words of encouragement - "Hope" and "Faith." Bright white letters are printed on a beautifully uplifting sky-blue backdrop.

"When COVID hit and the whole country, including my business, was suddenly shut down, I thought, 'We need hope!' And, so the two new blanket designs were born. It's a simple message, hopefully we are not only warming people, but lifting their spirits too," he shares.

And while the pandemic has also affected Simons' restaurant business, he carries on; his perseverance has paid off. Hot plates and warm blankets will prevail.

"All I kept thinking about were the people who would not get a turkey dinner on Thanksgiving Day if I cancelled because of the virus," he says.

Those in need of a meal and a blanket or for anyone who wishes to donate, please call Simply Simon's at: 508-675-5531 before Tuesday, Nov. 24 at 9 p.m. Simons will close after breakfast on Thanksgiving Day in order to begin packaging the dinners. The meals will be delivered after 1 p.m. into the late afternoon on Thanksgiving Day.

About Simply Simons

Simply Simons has been family-owned since 1998 and has been involved in many charitable events over the years, including "A Wish Come True." It strongly believes in giving back to the community. The restaurant serves all made-from-scratch meals and has a large and loyal following. The decor is eclectic and showcases family antiques and collectibles throughout.

For more information: https://simplysimonsrestaurant.com/

About NorthEast Fleece

NorthEast Fleece is a family-owned and operated business and a leading supplier of premium, polar-fleece blankets. Along with its role in charitable giving, its blankets have also been displayed at multiple presidential inaugurations, the Olympic Games, major hotels, professional sports events and prestigious universities.

Recently, the company has experienced tremendous growth, culminating in its current position as North America's premier manufacturer and supplier of fleece blankets. It's a BBB-accredited business with an A+ rating.

For more information: https://northeastfleece.com/

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*Photo Caption: Gary Simons, Simply Simons; and Peter Moubayed, NorthEast Fleece, team up to deliver meals and warm message of "Hope."

Related link: https://northeastfleece.com/

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