JULY 2025 UPDATE:
Statement from the Texas Restaurant Association in response to the catastrophic floods that struck Texas during the July 4th weekend.
There are no words to capture the heartbreak we’re feeling as the devastating floods continue to impact families across Texas. The Texas Restaurant Association and Texas Restaurant Foundation are activating Restaurants Respond and sharing our member resources with anyone who may need assistance - connecting those in need with vital resources and support.
Looking to Provide Immediate Relief Through Hot Meals? Donate to Mercy Chefs—a trusted 501(c)(3) already on the ground in Central Texas delivering hot, nourishing meals to first responders and families impacted by the floods.
Looking to Support Local Feeding Operations? We’re working with local leaders and TRA members to organize community feeding efforts. If you’d like to volunteer or contribute to this initiative, please email Kelsey at kstreufert@txrestaurant.org.
Looking to Help Restaurant Workers and their Families Affected by the Floods? We’ve partnered with two incredible nonprofit organizations - Children of Restaurant Employees (CORE) and Southern Smoke Foundation to ensure foodservice workers get the relief and support they need.
Looking to Invest in Long-Term Rebuilding? Communities across Texas will need support long after the floodwaters recede. Make a tax-deductible contribution to the TX Restaurant Relief Fund to help rebuild and restore the foodservice industry.
As our friends at Mercy Chefs said so eloquently, “In moments like these, a hot meal is more than food—it’s a reminder that [we] are not alone.” Please continue to visit and share Restaurants Respond so our fellow Texans have a place to find the resources they need and to give back as they are able. Thank you for standing with us as we support our neighbors.
WHAT IS RESTAURANTS RESPOND?
When disaster strikes, local restaurants are always among the first to respond. Whether it’s a warm meal for first responders or drinking water for communities that have been devastated by a storm, restaurants play a critical role in disaster response.
At the same time, restaurants and their team members are also impacted when disasters hit Texas. Often these disasters stop restaurants from operating for several days or even months, creating financial and personal challenges for all who rely on them.
The Restaurants Respond project consolidates resources to help restaurants support their communities after a disaster, and to help the community support affected restaurants in need. By harnessing the generous spirit and strength of Texas’ hospitality industry, we can make a powerful difference for communities in need.