Save Little Rock Restaurants Campaign Announced

Thanks to a fundraising program called Save Little Rock restaurants, local restaurants that are struggling as a result of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic will be provided with some financial relief. Founded by the Hillcrest Waterbugs and launched yesterday, Dec. 14, the “Save Little Rock Restaurants” campaign is a classic ‘help your neighbor’ opportunity that will provide partnering restaurants quantities of the “Little Rock Shopping Bag” to be sold to benefit local partnering restaurants. Proceeds from the sale of each bag will directly impact the livelihood and business model of each special location in Little Rock’s food scene.

“Independent restaurants are the lifeblood of our community. We and other local businesses are truly the heart and soul of Little Rock. Our future depends upon your support as we do our best to stay afloat during the pandemic. Some of us will make it. Many won’t. Honestly, we are all struggling,” says Capi Peck, owner of Trio’s restaurant in Little Rock. “We ask for your support now so that we can be here to shower you with southern hospitality on the other side.”

“Hillcrest Waterbugs has had a dozen successful years working with local, regional, and national non-profits in unique and fun ways to raise much needed funds for such amazing organizations. We are excited about partnering with these well-known and respected establishments at an immediate time of need and ongoing until we can put this pandemic behind us,” says Jennifer Cox Hillcrest Waterbugs president. She continues, “Partnering for good is not just a signature concept for our business, it shows how Arkansas’ small-business owners are coming together and reviving our local economies.”

Other local area restaurant owners are speaking up in support.

“Hospitality is the blood. Community is the heart. We must have both to survive. Together we can stay strong for many years to come.” says Tomas Bohm, owner of Pantry Eateries.

“I am born and raised in Little Rock and chose to build our business here because of my love for our city. We are all struggling right now but times like these remind us that our communities are here for us the way we have been there for them. We love our city and want to be here for many generations to come,” says Jacqueline Compton, owner of the Pizzeria.

This unique Little Rock Shopping Bag is created from sourced hemp and organic cotton all sustainable materials to care for the Earth. All proceeds raised through the sale of this bag will go toward helping save these local restaurants.

If you are interested in helping, there are currently three ways to purchase the Little Rock Shopping Bag: Online at HillcrestWaterbugs.com, on the menu at participating restaurants, and in-person at locations providing inside service.

Online sales have already begun and look for the bags at these local restaurants: Trio’s, The Pantry, Pantry Crest, and The Pizzeria (located in the Heights).