All Ohio Romeo’s Pizza to Participate in Pizza with a Purpose Fundraiser for the Ohio Restaurant Employee Relief Fund

“After the devastating hardships the restaurant industry has faced during the COVID-19 pandemic, we are proud to support our fellow foodservice employees through Pizza with a Purpose,” said Ryan Rose, CEO of Romeo’s Pizza. “We encourage everyone in Ohio to support this initiative through our company or any of the sponsoring pizza restaurants throughout the state.”

The Ohio Restaurant Employee Relief Fund was created by the Ohio Restaurant Association Education Foundation (ORAEF), a 501(c)(3), in collaboration with the Ohio Restaurant Association (ORA), to activate emergency funding for personnel in the foodservice industry who have been affected by COVID-19. Since its launch in April 2020, the fund has awarded more than 1,300 grants and raised more than $450,000 for employees in need.

“A recent ORA poll reveals that at current capacity, 61% of Ohio restaurant operators believe they will be forced to close within nine months and 82% of respondents do not anticipate breaking even in 2020,” said John Barker, president and CEO of the ORA. “The ORAEF has been working diligently to come up with creative ways to fundraise to support Ohio’s restaurant employees who are in financial distress.

The team is excited to be partnering with pizza companies across the state for Pizza with a Purpose.”

Any Ohio employees in the restaurant, foodservice or hospitality industry that have been impacted by COVID-19 are eligible to apply for a grant from the Employee Relief Fund. The funding that employees receive is restricted for the use of housing expenses (e.g. mortgage or rent), living expenses (e.g. transportation and groceries) and medical expenses. To help, visit any Ohio Romeo’s Pizza from January 25 – 31 and order a Pepperoni Pizza.