Where should you eat to support your neighbors during Thursday's Dine Out for Orlando United fundraiser? Look closely. The restaurants participating can pledge to give pretty much whatever they want, and some are set to donate way more than others.
Here's the background: Dozens of restaurant concepts, with more than a 1,000 actual establishments total, have volunteered to share funds raised on Thursday, June 30, 2016 for victims of the recent shootings at Pulse nightclub. We're thrilled that they're all showing support. But some are giving significant percentages of sales, while others' contributions will be more modest. Others won't specify details.
Here are some places bent on giving generously, listing what they've pledged to donate as part of this joint act by the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association and Visit Florida. I gathered this round-up by email to several restaurant owners and publicists plus a private Facebook board. Am I missing others? Sadly, yes. I pulled this together quickly. Send me verified details of other restaurants giving significant amounts via Dine Out for Orlando United and I'll add them to the list.
Central Florida Restaurants Donating Generously to Dine Out for Orlando United
The Attic Door, Winter Garden: 50% of total proceeds for the night, plus whatever patrons add to the bill
Cafe Tu Tu Tango, Orlando: $1 from each "Chef Addition" and featured cocktail ordered. This has been in place daily since June 13.
Cala Bella, Rosen Shingle Creek, 20% of sales
Capa, Four Seasons Orlando, Lake Buena Vista: 15% of sales
Chefs Table at the Edgewater Hotel, Winter Garden: 50% of gross sales
Cocina 214, Winter Park: 49% of proceeds of each Maria's Gourmet burger sold
Christner's Prime Steak & Lobster, Orlando: 10% of sales
Disney Springs, Lake Buena Vista: Details below for Morimoto Asia's Street Food, Bongos Cuban Cafe, Earl of Sandwich, Portobello, STK Orlando, Wolfgang Puck Grand Cafe, Crossroads at House of Blues, Paradiso 37, Splitsville and The Boathouse
Epicurean, Tampa: The Gulf Coast culinary family is donating 50% of proceeds from all Lange Winefest Cuvee Pinot Noir sold at Bern's Steak House, 100% of all happy happy hour proceeds from Haven, and 50% of all proceeds at Edge.
Everglades, Rosen Centre, Orlando: 25% of sales
Hamilton's Kitchen, Winter Park: 10% of overall restaurant revenue
John & Shirley's Catering, Orlando: Book a party by Friday, July 1, and every dollar about food costs will be donated.
Jack's Place, Rosen Plaza, Orlando: 25% of sales
K Restaurant, Orlando: 25% of sales
A Land Remembered, Rosen Shingle Creek, 25% of sales
Miller's Ale House, national: 10% of sales proceeds from all 73 restaurants in 10 states. In addition, the Orlando-based chain will add in any dollar amount guests add to their checks and that employees donate from tips. At the company's support center, Miller's Ale House is paying employees to wear jeans all week. Total goal: $100,000
Ocean Prime Orlando, Orlando: 10% of food sales
Raglan Road, Lake Buena Vista: Proceeds from all draft beer sales
Ravello, Four Seasons Orlando, Lake Buena Vista: 15% of sales
Omni Amelia Island Plantation Resort, Amelia Island: $1 per diner at Verandah, Falcon's Nest and Marché Burette Deli June 30 through July 2.
The Rusty Spoon, Orlando: 10% of sales
Smith & Adams Confections, Orlando: 15% of gross sales
Talk of the Town Restaurants, Orlando: All 10 of the company's restaurants will sell a cocktail called OrlandoStrong Sunset and donate 100% of the proceeds. The concepts are FishBones, Charley's Steak House, Johnnie's Hideaway, Moonfish, Vito's Chop House and Texas Cattle Company.
The Tasting Room, Winter Garden: 50% of gross sales
Tijuana Flats, Orlando: All Central Florida restaurants will donate 10% of proceeds
Tony Roma's, International Drive, Orlando: 10% of sales
TR Fire Grill, Winter Park: 10% of sales
Note: Please forgive the inconsistency in style. I'm just repeating what each participant tells me assuming it's informative and trustworthy. And missing restaurants? Heck yes. Dozens, maybe hundreds, of establishments in Orlando, the rest of Florida and way beyond are living examples of "love is love is love." I'd like to list more. Have the owner email me via my website and I'll post all pledges that make the cut.
Give and give and give, Rona