26X Restaurants has launched an initiative to support service industry workers during the ongoing government shutdown, which has created uncertainty for families who depend on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. All 26X Restaurant locations, including Zunzi’s and Zunzibar in Savannah, Tybee Island, Atlanta, and Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, are participating in Feeding America’s The Next Billion Meals Challenge by Tony Robbins.
During November, 26 cents will be added to every transaction at these restaurants. The funds collected will be donated weekly to Feeding America’s challenge. Each guest donation is matched by the restaurant, bringing the total contribution to 52 cents per transaction. According to the company, this amount is enough to provide five meals.
Additionally, Zunzi’s and Zunzibar locations are offering a 50 percent discount throughout November for all service industry workers. Those interested can register for the discount by texting “SERVICE” to 912-207-7551.
Chris Smith, founder and CEO of 26X Restaurants, stated: “The service industry feeds America, and it is in the middle of a silent crisis. Much of the service industry relies on SNAP and other government support. With those programs in jeopardy, the 26X Feeding America movement will help close the gap.”
Research from the Union of Concerned Scientists shows that about 14.9 million U.S. workers live in households receiving SNAP benefits. Service occupations such as cooks and waitstaff represent roughly 28 percent of these workers. Between 2015 and 2017, an estimated 18 percent of food preparation and service employees relied on SNAP.
Smith also noted: “The 26X Feeding America movement was inspired by Tony Robbins’ personal story of when he was in need as a child and a good Samaritan delivered a Thanksgiving dinner to his family. His story is not unfamiliar to people all over America. Now is the time for the service industry to unite and show the impact we can make together.”
Zunzi’s began serving home-cooked meals in Savannah in 2005 before expanding into Atlanta in 2018 and opening Zunzibar locations in Tybee Island (2023) and Hilton Head Island (2024).
More information about this initiative can be found at https://26x.com/26x-feeding-america.
