A PICTURE IS WORTH A THOUSAND WORDS

A little insight into the project that inspired our new #BehindthePlexi photo-essay fundraiser in support of Vancouver restaurant workers courtesy of @antlerkitchenbar Chef and Co-Owner Jody Shapiro a.ka. @jodyagram

Shapiro was the guiding light behind a similar fundraiser called Lockdown 2.0 to benefit Toronto-area foodservice businesses that launched earlier this year and features behind-the-scenes photographs of cafes, restaurants and staff across the 6ix, with all proceeds donated to organizations and charities that benefit industry workers like @savehospitality.ca and @the.fullplate.

In a blog post, Shapiro detailed the struggle felt by many of his colleagues in the industry, but remained optimistic when looking at what the restaurant industry landscape will look like once we come out on the other side.

“I think, when we look back at this time, we're going to recognize, in every industry, that what we were able to learn during this time is perseverance,” says Shapiro. “Just looking at the achievements at Antler, we have merchandise now, we're bottling maple syrup, we have a great online site. We're doing game boxes, we're doing meal kits. We know how to let people order in advance and pick up something two weeks later.

“And these are all things from a business perspective that I think once we're reopened, once the city is alive again, we’re going to be busier than ever. And we’ll be able to take those skills with us.”

Read more about Shapiro’s Lockdown 2.0 project at the link in our bio.

Stand tall. Stay strong. Show love. Support local.