Good Work Austin looks to join forces with Austin independent restaurants to advocate together during COVID-19

AUSTIN, Texas - Good Work Austin (GWA) is asking local restaurant operators to come together and unite in efforts to voice concerns for funding and infrastructure changes.

The non-profit formed in Austin in 2018 and its mission is to create a supportive environment for employers who are looking to do the right thing when it comes to their employees, the economy, and the environment.

With the effects of COVID-19 on businesses and the economy, Good Work Austin is focusing on getting funds and opportunities for employment into the hands of business owners, with a focus on helping restaurants, from multiple sources.

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“Right now, it is so important for independent restaurants to have an organization to share the good and the bad on what our industry-at-large is facing,” said Brian Stubbs, owner of Genuine Article Bookkeeping and Consulting, says in a news release. “We’re asking that every restaurant join forces with GWA so we can work together to get the community functional after COVID, and in order to do that, we need all of your voices in one room.”  

GWA is working with the Independent Restaurant Coalition and Hospitality United Alliance to make sure that the needs of Austin’s restaurant community are better met by the next round of government aid. 

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The non-profit is asking Austin restaurateurs to learn more about the organization and sign up to join them by filling out a simple contact questionnaire.

Now that the state stay-at-home order expires on April 30 and restaurants are allowed to reopen on May 1, GWA's goal is to advocate for funding at the city and state level to help Austin small businesses bring back jobs, provide essential services, and reopen safely and responsibly.

Current members include the following: Sesa Pure, Emmer and Rye, Franklin BBQ, Black Star Co-Op, Suerte, Sweet Ritual, Hestia, Genuine Article, Via 313, Bento Picnic, Garbo's, Olamaie, Henbit, Violet Crown Clubhouse, Texas French Bread, Foreign & Domestic, L'Oca d'Oro, Purple Fig Eco-Cleaning, Shed Barbershop, SAFE Alliance, Contigo, Last Straw, Confituras, Provision, Franklin BBQ, Rosen's Bagels, Better Half, Brew & Brew, Euphora Health, JuiceLand, Salt & Time, Hajjar Peters LLP, Taster's Table Club, and Halcyon.

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GWA launched in 2018 as a group of local business owners working with the Austin City Council to write the city's paid sick leave ordinance. The organization helps Austinites find creative solutions to health care and mental health benefits, offers sexual harassment and open books management trainings, and connects owners to city and state government and other civic institutions to strengthen the bonds between community and business.

You can find out more information about Good Work Austin here.

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