2016 Restaurant Neighbor Award Winners Announced

In 1997, the National Restaurant Association (www.nebraska-dining.org) together with the award’s founding partner, American Express, created the Restaurant Neighbor Awards to help honor restaurants in the field of outstanding community service and involvement. Ninety percent of restaurants are actively involved in community activities and this award highlights the positive contributions restaurants make in their local neighborhoods each and every day. Meet the 2016 Nebraska Restaurant Neighbor Award Winners:

Cappy’s Hotspot Bar and Grill, 5560 S. 48th Street, Ste. 4 in Lincoln – Cappy’s is busy throughout the year hosting multiple fundraisers and charitable events including the Pediatric Cancer Action Network Fundraiser and the Joba Chamberlain Fundraiser.  More than $3,500.00 in gift cards were donated in 2015 for charitable purposes.

LaCasa Pizzaria, 4432 Leavenworth Street in Omaha – LaCasa Pizzaria has dedicated many years to five main projects: support for local high schools fundraisers, United Way of the Midlands, Nebraska Aids Project, and the Food Bank of the Heartland.

Runza Restaurants, 82 locations statewide – Runza Restaurants has partnered with the TeamMates Mentoring Program since 2009 and also holds an annual chain-wide fundraiser benefitting the organization.

Southern Hospitality Ventures, Inc. (Raising Cane’s), 5 locations statewide – In 2009 franchise owners Justin and Jennifer Jones partnered with Cell Phones for Soldiers. Since the campaign began in 2009, enough cell phones have been collected to give over 580,000 minutes in calling cards to Nebraska troops and over 2,400 meals have been given away. Additionally, Southern Hospitality Ventures created three campaigns that support individuals throughout the community: Raising Coats with Raising Cane’s, Stuff the Bus, and Holiday Give Back.

For more information on the National Restaurant Association visit www.nebraska-dining.org.