Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/1283918
Shake Family Feeds Local Community B Y R E N E E B R I N C K S A s COVID-19 restrictions closed area businesses this spring, Monterey restau- rateurs Chris and Sabu Shake recognized the challenges faced by more than 300 employees and their families. "Our first concern was their health and wel- fare. We, as a company, wanted to do every- thing possible to get through this together," says Chris Shake. The team behind mainstays like Old Fisherman's Grotto and the Fish Hopper launched a program to serve free meals to employees and families. They agreed to help feed the Salvation Army's transitional housing tenants, as well, and expand- ed their impact by providing food to homeless individuals on the waterfront. "We see these people every day. This was an act of kindness to let them know that we care," Shake says. Bolstered by a Community Foundation for Monterey County grant and generous customer donations, the Shakes served more than 22,000 meals before their businesses reopened in June. Employees returned to work after completing extensive Cal/OSHA safety training, and the family continues assisting less fortunate commu- nity members. "This wasn't anything that my brother and I had to think twice about," Shake says. "We're in the business of feeding people, and we just feel very blessed that we are in the position to help." For information on the Shake family restaurants, please visit www.oldfishermansgrotto.com. SHORTCUTS GIVING BACK Restaurateur Chris Shake served 22,000+ free meals to employees during the pandemic closures, along with Salvation Army tenants and homeless people. 76 C A R M E L M A G A Z I N E • S U M M E R / F A L L 2 0 2 0 Photo:Kelli Uldall