COVID-19 had a vast effect on the entire country and especially the hospitality industry. Restaurants all over the world were required to rethink how to keep their business open. Restaurants especially had to create new ways to be available to their customers, whether that was through delivery or take-out options.
Some restaurants took it to the next level by also becoming a source of aid for those in need! Naan Stop in Atlanta became one of those businesses. While trying to maintain their consumer base, they also realized there were many people within the communities in need. As a result, they launched their Family Meal Pop-Up fundraiser.
This has now become a staple in their daily operations and has been implemented in all three locations’ service operations. NaanStop partners with local schools and charities to host these pop-up fundraisers up to three times a week to provide affordable, convenient family meals that benefit the partner organizations directly. Naan Stop owners said that their community showed up for them, so they wanted to pay them back. Neal Idanini says, “We owed it to them to return some of that good fortune, and as a bonus, our team really loves helping the outside world just by doing their normal job”.
Naan stop created an online ordering system that paired with a charity partner that allows for Family Meal (dinner for four) pre-orders. The Family- Meal Pop-up is advertised and circulated through local newsletters and social media posts to get the word out. On the date of the event, NaanStop sets up a drive-thru table on or nearby the beneficiary’s property for convenient meal pickups. The beneficiary organization then receives 10% of the proceeds from each meal sold.
The Family Meal pop-up feeds a family of four for just $44.99. These meals include the choice of two entrées (vegan and halal protein options available), four fresh-baked naan, four handmade samosas, basmati rice, and chutneys. If purchasers would like to add a little something extra such as desserts or drinks to their meal that is an option available as well. Naan Stops selection consists of naan wraps, rice bowls, and fresh salads based on the cuisine of Sindh and Punjab. They combine Indian family recipes with an approachable and easy-to-understand menu.
Through pop-up program contributions and the generosity of diners and partner organizations who match contributions, NaanStop has raised over $30,000 for important causes such as food insecurity, domestic violence survivors, home repairs for elderly homeowners, and local school PTA. For those interested in parting with Naan Stop and helping out their community be sure to click this link to learn more about how you can get involved with an amazing program.