Servers, bartenders feed fellow foodservice workers in Port Charlotte

Southwest Florida servers and bartenders dealing with furloughs and layoffs are helping their fellow foodservice workers by providing their next meal.

The sun was out and the palm trees were swaying in Charlotte County on Wednesday, but Leanne Schwartz, a longtime employee of Hurricane Charley’s Bar and Grill, is facing a different storm.

“I have been able to collect unemployment but unfortunately nothing has come through yet for me,” she said.

Michael Capner, a bartender at Broad Street Bar, is also currently out of work and said they rely on tips, on people coming into their places of business.

But he’s using his new free time to help other servers and bartenders who are facing similar hardships.

“Let’s try to at least feed people,” Capner said. “Let’s try to take some of that burden off of them.”

Capner and his fellow foodservice friends are feeding more than 100 other local servers and bartenders twice per week, using donated food and funds and pitching in some extra themselves.

“It’s amazing to watch their face light up,” he explained, “when you hand the stuff because we might be the difference between them eating at night or not.”

Schwartz appreciates the kind offering, saying, “They are angels in my eyes because it’s one hot meal that my family can have that I don’t even have to worry about.” Serving up a plate of gratitude, with a side of hope.

The group plans to host another food offering on Sunday, May 3, at 1 p.m. at 21480 Holdern Ave. in Port Charlotte.