A newsletter for the industry pro (or aspiring pro).

Cocktails

We’re In This Together

March 16, 2020

Story: Punch Staff

photo: Dylan + Jeni

Cocktails

We’re In This Together

March 16, 2020

Story: Punch Staff

photo: Dylan + Jeni

As the hospitality industry faces an uncertain future, its community is in need of immediate relief. Here are the stories and resources that can make a difference, updated daily.

Just last week the prospect of tens of thousands of bars and restaurants around the country suddenly closing down, indefinitely, felt like a distant one. Yet, as of today, small businesses around the country have made sacrifices that jeopardize their survival and the livelihoods of their employees in the name of larger civic duty.

Our mission at PUNCH has always been deeply enmeshed with the restaurant and bar worlds that we cover every day. Our publication does not exist without this passionate and dedicated group of bartenders, barbacks, owners and operators. Now it’s our time to show our support in a different way. Over the next few weeks, effective immediately, we will shift our focus to supporting the community that has, since day one, supported us. With the help of industry leaders across the country, we will be updating this page daily with stories and resources to connect members of the community with one another, and to surface clear and accurate information regarding financial relief.

To our consumer and enthusiast readers: While you may not be able to go out and pull up a stool at your favorite bar tonight, that doesn’t mean you can’t support the community. In the coming days, we will be rolling out a “tip your bartender” program via our Instagram feed (@punch_drink) that will allow you to engage with bartenders across the country and, if you are able to, give back. We are also working directly with the Restaurant Workers’ Community Fund (RWCF) and their board, as well as our Bartender In Residence alumni, to create a Bartender In Residence Relief Fund that benefits the bartenders and support staff who need it most.

In the meantime, RWCF has a constantly updated list of resources for small businesses and individuals who are looking for help with everything from loan forgiveness to applying for unemployment benefits. If you have information that would benefit the community, please do not hesitate to reach out to us at editorial@punchdrink.com so we can share it.

Those who have worked in, or covered, bars and restaurants through 9/11, Hurricane Katrina, the 2008 recession, Hurricane Sandy, the California wildfires and Hurricane Harvey know what a strong, bonded community we are when times get tough. Now is no exception and we’re here to work together through the uncertain days ahead.

Where Can I Donate?

Donate to Restaurant Workers Community Foundation. RWCF is a New York-based 501c3 non-profit that is directing contributions to organizations leading on-the-ground efforts in the restaurant community, providing zero-interest loans to businesses to maintain payroll and establishing a relief fund for individuals experiencing economic hardship.

Donate to the United States Bartenders Guild. The USBG National Charity’s Bartender Emergency Assistance Program is collecting donations to support their philanthropic grant program providing assistance to bartenders and their families in need. (Recipients of the grant do not need to be members of the USBG. For more info on how to apply for a grant see here.)

Donate to One Fair Wage. OFW’s Emergency Coronavirus Tipped and Service Worker Support Fund provides cash assistance to restaurant workers, car service drivers, delivery workers, personal service workers and more unable to work in 11 states. (For more info on how to apply for a grant see here.)

Donate to Another Round Another Rally. ARAR is a Phoenix-based 501c3 non-profit that raises emergency funds for hospitality workers, and provides $500 grants from their Hospitality Tip Jar fund. (For more info on how to apply for a grant see here.)

How Else Can I Help?


  • Buy gift certificates, merchandise and other goods from bars and restaurants you love.

  • Purchase pre-made cocktails for pick-up or delivery.

  • Join a wine club from your local shop.

  • Order pick-up or delivery from your favorite restaurants, wine stores and bottle shops.

  • Fire up a virtual happy hour, pour yourself a drink and check in on your friends.

Essential Resources




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