Meril

Friends & Family,

We all have a new and intimate understanding of what the word unprecedented means. By definition, we are experiencing a situation that is without previous instance. And yes, this certainly is true but I am finding comfort and strength by reminding myself of certain values that are the foundation of why I became a cook, a chef, and a restaurateur. This business is incredibly rewarding but also not for the faint of heart. It takes blood, sweat, and tears. A quote I recently came across by Simon Sinek, an unshakable optimist, reminded me of something I believe to be true: “People don’t buy what you do, they buy why you do it.”

I fell in love with hospitality because it allows me to connect with people every single day. The passion I have for meeting new people, learning from them, and teaching them is as important to me as the art of cooking itself. It always has been and always will be about the people. This starts with the people who work hard, day after day, in my restaurants. The dishwasher, the hostess, the server, the reservationist, the line cook, the pastry chef. It is the individual people who collectively make up our team and allow us to cook and create the dining experiences for our guests that we are so proud of.

The uncertainty of these times causes stress, anxiety and worry for me, my family, my team, the communities where I operate, and the larger world. One thing I am certain of; the talented, hard-working men and women on my team are some of the best in the business. I am certain that we will be together again, learning from one another, having fun, and exuding our passion to our guests through our food, service, and hospitality. I am committed to opening our doors so that my team can resume their careers and their livelihoods.

 In the meantime, though, before we can do that, we must get to the other side of this together. This is why the Emeril’s Restaurants Relief Fund was created. One hundred percent of the proceeds raised will be distributed to the individuals who collectively make up my team. The fund allows guests, whether former or future and members of our community to help our team get to the other side. Every dollar counts. I am donating 100 % of every gift card purchased on emerilsresturants.com to the fund. I will continue working tirelessly with my executive team to restore operations and bring the team back to work.

 On behalf of my team, I want to thank each of you for your support, patronage, and generosity of spirit and we will get through these unprecedented times together.