UPDATED (Jan. 17, 2025 @ 12:15 p.m.): A new offer from Galpão Gaucho added. | Local chefs and restaurants are mobilizing with fundraisers and volunteer opportunities.
As updates on multiple fires across the Southland come in, individuals in the hospitality industry have put their cooking and administrative skills to use in various ways to aid those in need. From collaborative fundraising to hands-on cooking for the displaced and those fighting flames to save more lives, Orange County chefs, owners and residents are stepping up to donate and provide necessities such as a hot meal and self-care items.
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Haven4LA: Three restaurants in Orange are donating 100% of profits on Jan. 16.
Wildfire Relief Fundraiser: Over 150 restaurants across O.C. are donating 20% of profits on Jan. 14.
Bracken's: Is coordinating volunteers to help the World Central Kitchen in Pasadena this weekend.
OC Baking Company: Is offering an inventory of fresh breads for individuals planning to conduct food runs to L.A.
Calico Fish House: Is collecting donations to deliver to Pasadena.
Shootzgiving LA: Is collecting donations in exchange for a free meal.
CA Wildfire Benefit: Bello by Sandro Nardone is hosting a benefit dinner with celebrity chefs on Jan. 27.
Yogurtland: Is offering a free 16oz. cup to first responders in uniform.
Galpão Gaucho: Is donating 10% of proceeds this weekend (Jan. 17-19) to the Orange County Fire Authority.
HAVEN4La
Three restaurants in Orange – Haven Craft Kitchen + Bar, Provisions Deli & Bottleshop and Chapman Crafted Beer – will be donating 100% of their profits from all sales on Thursday, January 16 to the American Red Cross and the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation.
In a press release, founder Wil Dee states: “Everyone in Orange County has a personal connection to someone devastated by the fires in L.A. – this tragedy is too close to home for us to not join in the relief efforts. We’re counting on our many supporters to come out and enjoy our full menu knowing that 100% of our profits will help those in need.”
Reservations are recommended at Haven. Provisions and Chapman Crafted Beer will welcome walk-ins on a first come, first serve basis.
Wildfire Relief Fundraiser
Chef/Owner Marco Criscuolo of Trattoria Trullo in Aliso Viejo reached out to fellow chefs for a collective fundraiser being held on Tuesday, Jan. 14. Over 170 restaurants have joined him so far. (Additional dates have been added for some restaurants.)
On Tuesday, unless otherwise noted, 20% of all sales at these restaurants, bars and markets will be donated to the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank. “These donations will enable the L.A. Regional Food Bank to continue their support of 800 partner agencies and ensure that those most impacted by the fires have one less thing to worry about,” Criscuolo said.
Participating restaurants listed by date and city include (click on the arrow (>) for details:
Tuesday, Jan 14
Wednesday, Jan. 15
Saturday, Jan. 18
Tuesday, Jan. 21
Bracken’s Kitchen
Chef Bill Bracken of Bracken’s Kitchen is working with the Jose Andres nonprofit World Central Kitchen (WCK) to set up places to serve throughout the county of Los Angeles. Currently, Bracken’s Kitchen is scheduled to assist WCK in Pasadena this weekend, but potentially it can be as soon as Friday for lunch service to evacuated individuals and first responders. Interested in volunteering? Complete the form at this link and a member of the team will get back to you.
OC Baking Company
Baker and owner Dean Kim of OC Baking Company normally provides bread service to over 200 eateries throughout Los Angeles, San Diego and Orange County. He is currently offering his inventory of fresh breads for individuals planning to conduct food runs to L.A. Interested parties should contact him via Facebook Messenger at OC Baking Co. in the city of Orange. 1960 N. Glassell St.
Calico Fish House
Chef Andrew Gruel and wife Lauren Gruel are offering a wide range of assistance at their Huntington Beach restaurant, Calico Fish House. From accepting (and delivering in multiple trucks to the Pasadena Convention Center) donations of water, pet food and personal hygiene items to allowing those in need to set up camp in their parking lot and have a meal on them, they’ve put in the time and energy to take care of L.A. residents.
Calico Fish House is currently accepting the following:
Batteries
Camping gear
Feminine care items
Gift cards
Items for babies and children
Pet food
Personal care items
Phone chargers
Undergarments
Water
They are also looking for:
Available volunteers
Transportation of goods to Los Angeles
In lieu of personal delivery, Amazon orders can be shipped to Calico Fish House at 16600 Pacific Coast Highway in Huntington Beach, 92649. For individuals who deliver in person, Gruel is happy to give a free meal at Calico as a thank you.
In the last 24 hours, restaurant guests have assisted with driving products to L.A., as well as making over 200 hot meals that were served in Pasadena.
Shootzgiving LA
On Wednesday, Jan. 15., Shootz in Long Beach will be hosting a donation drive and community event. They will be collecting items to donate to those displaced by the fires. Anyone who donates at least two items will receive a free kimchi butter katsu plate.
Here is a list of things they are collecting:
Air purifiers
Batteries
Blankets
Boxes
Clothing gift cards
Electrolyte drinks
Face masks
First aid kits
Flashlights
Grocery gift cards
Heavy-duty plastic bags
Hygiene items
Infant care items
New undergarments
Nonperishable food
Pillows
Shoes and socks
Toiletries
CALIFORNIA WILDFIRE BENEFIT
Sandro Nardone, of Bello by Sandro Nardone, is hosting a benefit dining event that will support the American Red Cross and those affected by the wildfires. According to their website, chefs Amar Santana (Vaca and Broadway), James Hamamori (Mamamori), Massimo Navarretta (Onotria) and Daniel Godinez (Anepalco and Polanco) will provide an "exclusive culinary journey crafted by renowned chefs, showcasing their artistry and dedication to making a difference."
The dinner will be held on Monday, January 27 at 6 p.m. at Bello in Newport Beach. Tickets to the event are $395. Reservations are currently being accepted.
YOGURTLAND
First responders in uniform who visit a participating Yogurtland location in Southern California are welcome to enjoy a complimentary 16oz. cup.
More than 50 of the brand’s franchise locations are participating. Visit yogurtland.com/support for a list of participating locations.
Galpão Gaucho
From January 17 - 19, family-owned Brazilian steakhouse, Galpão Gaucho, will donate 10% of proceeds from every meal to support the Orange County Fire Authority, which has deployed local firefighters to assist with wildfire containment efforts in Los Angeles.
“Galpão Gaucho stands with our Los Angeles neighbors during this challenging time,” said Rafaela Bartholomeu, a spokeswoman for Galpão Gaucho Brazilian Steakhouse, in a recent press release. “After speaking with the fire department, we learned that their most urgent resource need is hydration beverages, such as water and sports hydration drinks, to keep the crews hydrated. Having witnessed the resilience of emergency personnel firsthand a few years ago during the Napa fires, we understand the immense physical and emotional toll of their emergency response efforts and our donation is aimed at providing the necessary support to help them continue their vital work."
Galpão Gaucho is located at Venture Park, 1830 Main St., Irvine, CA 92614, near John Wayne Airport, and is open for lunch on Friday from 11:30am to 2:30pm, and for dinner on Friday from 5-10pm, Saturday from noon to 10pm, and Sunday from noon to 9pm.