Restaurateurs are widely-recognized as charitable
individuals and Greg Reggio, of the Taste Buds Restaurant Group, is an example
of one that has taken his philanthropy to the masses. Specifically, he and his
business partners in Semolina and Zea Rotisserie & Grill restaurants, Gary
Darling and Hans Limburg created “Three Chefs, One Mission,” an effort they
coordinated to bring hope and reprieve to those affected by natural disasters.
Reggio and his “buds” as he likes to he calls Darling and Limburg, we’re honored by the National Restaurant Association April 17 with the Restaurant Neighbor Award. The award recognizes restaurateurs who have gone above and beyond in giving back to their communities.
“Restaurateurs are some of the most philanthropic business owners on earth.” said Stan Harris, Louisiana Restaurant Association President & CEO. “Greg and his partners, Hans and Gary, are an excellent example of how ‘paying it forward’ can change lives, one plate of food at a time. We are thrilled that Taste Buds Management has been recognized for its community service efforts.”
In 2008, Hurricane Ike made landfall in Galveston, Texas and
inundated Louisiana’s Jefferson Parish coastal town of Lafitte with water. Reggio
and fellow members of the Louisiana Restaurant Association Greater New Orleans Chapter
served hot meals to more than 1,200 residents at the Lafitte Town Hall only
three days after the community was re-opened to its citizens.
Since then, he’s found a calling, specifically named, “Three
Chefs, One Mission,” along with Darling and Limburg.
“Although Katrina was six or so years prior, it was still
very much in our minds and memories,” said Reggio. “We said, ‘We know what they
are going through and we are going to bring them some Louisiana love’.”
