Fatz Café’s operating partner Bruce Dressler, the Irmo, S.C., franchise owner, has been named a finalist for the National Restaurant Association’s 2010 Restaurant Neighbor Award. Fatz Cafe is recognized by the National Restaurant Association through the Restaurant Neighbor Award program, honoring companies each year that have gone above and beyond in giving back to their communities.
“I have had the pleasure of working with many great leaders, and, without a doubt, Bruce is a very special leader; he truly has a ‘servant’s heart’ for his staff, his guests and his community,” Fatz Café’s chief operating officer Richie Cannon said.
Dressler introduced the idea of a Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser in 2009 with the specific purpose of making a difference and helping his local community grow. Fatz Cafe opens daily at 11 a.m. serving lunch and dinner to regulars, but on Saturdays Dressler sets up the restaurant five hours early. He volunteers with organizations in his community, ranging from local schools to The United Way, transforming Fatz Cafe into a hot spot for hotcakes.
In April of 2009, Dressler and Fatz Cafe helped one of its regulars by raising nearly $2,000 for a kidney transplant. Last year, Dressler partnered with a total of 17 organizations and raised more than $50,000; he has made it his personal goal to raise even more in 2010.
Additionally, the Pancake fundraiser he started in Irmo launched companywide this year, helping raise funds for various organizations in 46 other communities.
