CLEVELAND — It’s an understatement to say restaurants and local businesses are struggling amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Brendan Kearney, the director of operations of Lago East Bank in Cleveland, said they’re thankful the community is still supporting the business.
“We've always had, you know, a really strong background within Cleveland, in general,” he said. “I think that's helped carry us through some of this and, you know, we are just committed every day to go to work and grind it out and and put out the best food that we can.”
Now, Lago wants to pay it forward. The restaurant has started an "Essential Meals for Essential Employees program.”
The program is an opportunity for people throughout the Cleveland area to sponsor meals for frontline workers.
There are about 30 suggested businesses to donate to including Cleveland Clinic locations, University Hospitals locations, Cleveland Police, Cleveland Fire, MetroHealth, St. Augustine and more.
“Anybody that, you know, really is making a difference for us out on the front line and doing the things that only they can do,” he said.
You can donate using your name or choose to remain anonymous.
The first donation included 150 meals to the Cleveland Clinic. Kearney said since they’ve rolled it out, it’s been inspiring to see the community chip in to help.
“It's one of the reasons that, you know, we do what we do,” he said. “Just to be able to have the opportunity to give back and to see people rally around each other during times like this is just extremely rewarding.”
To donate a meal or just order takeout click here.
Tell us about a business or group of businesses that are finding ways (responsibly, of course) to serve their communities during Ohio's "stay at home" order. Fill out the form on News5Cleveland.com/Open.
