Otaku Joins Edward Lee’s Relief Program, Providing Ramen for Restaurant Workers

In response to the COVID-19 outbreak and its devastating effect to the hospitality industry in the form of millions of layoffs nationwide, chef Edward Lee recently launched his new Restaurant Workers Relief Program. In partnership with The LEE Initiative and Maker’s Mark, the relief program has already opened up 16 relief kitchens and served over 80,000 meals to restaurant employees nationwide. Starting on Wednesday, April 29, the partnership extends to Nashville and chef Sarah Gavigan’s Otaku To-Go.

On Wednesday through Sunday, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. (until the end of May), Gavigan’s team will serve up to 250 meals per day — via contactless pick-up out of the Otaku To-Go space at 604 Gallatin, Suite 203. All hospitality workers are invited to participate simply by showing a pay stub when picking up a meal.

“In a time of so much uncertainty for our fellow hospitality industry professionals, our team at Otaku Ramen is committed and honored to feed as many people as possible to those affected here in Nashville.” says Gavigan.

East Nashville’s Pearl Diver also has a near-daily effort, the “brown bag initiative” to feed out-of-work hospitality workers — check their Instagram for daily menu and details. The program has already served over 1000 meals over the last few weeks.

• Chef Ed Lee’s Fight to Feed Restaurant Workers Across America [EATER]