We’re here
to make an impact
People rallied around a shared sense of purpose drive outcomes that truly matter, and one good deed begets another.
By Restaurant People.
For Restaurant People.
We are one community!
Restaurants are a driving force in Georgia’s economy. The foodservice industry creates thousands of jobs, supports career growth, and plays a vital role in every community across the state.
respect. empathy. compassion.
you are not alone.
Our History
2010
Southern Soul BBQ Burned To The Ground
March 27, 2010 Griffin and Harrison were so profoundly grateful for the community response and support received, they vowed to pay it forward in support of others in need of assistance
2018
The Firebox Initiative Founded and Approved as 501(c)3
Although the initiative had been seeded by personal financial gifts for years, the Firebox Initiative was formally & officially launched in 2018. Staff was expanded to include an Executive Director, but 100% of contributions continued to flow directly to grant recipients.
2018
First Annual BBQ on The Bluff
BBQ on the Bluff (bringing together top pit master talent from throughout the southeast region) was our flagship fundraising event. The inaugural event SOLD OUT, and has become a beloved annual tradition in the Golden Isles.
2020
Covid-19 Pandemic
The restaurant industry experienced unparalleled and devastating financial pressures.
2020
-2022
Firebox grants grew by more than 400%
Confirming the power of community rallied in support of friends and neighbors, our community sponsored more than $230,000 in emergency grant funding in support of the lingering economical effects of the pandemic.
2023
firebox announces expansion plan to more fully support the needs in neighboring counties
WE Are just getting started
During the COVID Pandemic, we rallied to provide more than $200k in emergency grant assistance to help sustain restaurant workers who were temporarily unable to provide basic financial support to their loved ones and dependents
Expanding our footprint to expand our impact
Since inception we’ve principally committed to supporting employees of restaurants in Glynn County. However, the board has recently announced a plan to formally include the counties of McIntosh (by the end of 2023) and Camden (by the end of 2024).
We are ONE "Golden Isles" community!
Ask for help!
You are not alone!
If you are a local food service worker in need of emergency financial assistance, please ask us for help!
Tuition Expenses
If you are a food service worker within our community and you have dependent children currently pursuing a college or technical education, we may be able to help with tuition expenses.
