Houston Restaurants Will Raise Money For The ACLU In Support Of Their Immigrant Employees

On the same day that restaurant employees across Houston striked to protest President Trump’s immigration policies, a collection of Houston restaurants have announced that they are banding together to raise cash for an organization that fights for immigrant rights.

Announced via release, a number of Houston restaurants will donate proceeds from a special prix-fixe menu offering to the American Civil Liberties Union of Texas in March, directly in response to the protests and Trump’s policies that could potentially have a dramatic (and negative)impact on restaurants in Houston and beyond.

“From Houston’s earliest days, but especially during the past four decades, immigrants from all parts of the globe have driven Houston's explosive economic and population growth and infused the city with spectacular dishes and flavors that have made the culinary scene the most exciting in the country,” the group said in a statement.

So far Dining For Democracy has recruited Axelrad, Chef Ryan LaChaine’s Riel, Double Trouble, Down House, Little Dipper, Big Star, Grand Prize, and El Big Bad to participate in the fundraiser. 15% of each meal, which will be at least three courses and priced between $20 and $60, will be donated to the ACLU. The same goes for cocktails — a special menu of “2-8 drinks” will be served at each participating bar, and 15% of the price will be donated.

Dining For Democracy will be held at participating restaurants between March 8 and March 22. The group is currently recruiting more restaurants, so it’s likely that the crowd of eateries that plan to use their businesses as a tool in opposing anti-immigrant policies will continue to grow ahead of the fundraiser.