Furlough Kitchen by Walk-On’s feeds Orlando’s furloughed workers

Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux is bringing pop-up Furlough Kitchen to Orlando, with the goal of providing over 1,000 free meals to furloughed employees.

Orlando has been hit hard by furloughs and lay-offs forced by the global pandemic, but it is first and foremost a community that rallies around to help its own. As the job toll mounts, Walk-On Sports Bistreaux has announced it will bring its mobile restaurant to Orlando on Nov. 4, and will provide 1,000 free meal to the area’s furloughed employees from 1-5 p.m. at one (1) free meal per person.

It doesn’t matter who former workers were employed by. This isn’t just a theme park employee event. Any former employee in need can receive a free fresh-ingredients meal at 8151 International Drive via curbside pick-up, where Walk-On’s Furlough Kitchen mobile restaurant will be located.

Franchisee Joe Foranoce says, “The pandemic is continuing to take a toll on businesses, causing more companies to have to furlough employees. Community support has always been extremely important to us, and we have neighbors that need our help. That’s why we are bringing Furlough Kitchen by Walk-On’s to Orlando. We’re going to continue to do what we can to lessen the impact that COVID-19 has caused to Orlando.”

But they need community help. Game On Foundation, the foundation of origin for Furlough Kitchen by Walk-On’s, is requesting donations to help fund these meals. Those who are able to help can make their donation to the Game On Foundation, and all proceeds will directly benefit furloughed employees with meals and support.

The original concept for the non-profit Furlough Kitchen by Walk On’s began in Baton Rouge, and expanded to other communities. Originally, the Game On Foundation’s “Walk-On’s” focused on supporting youth athletes and facilities, but the need for assistance for employees who have lost their jobs due to COVID-19 has taken precedence, and the foundation shifted to providing free meals.  From March-May 2020, they served more than 100,000 meals nationwide to laid-off employees impacted early in the pandemic.

Walk-On’s COO and president Scott Taylor said, “At Walk-On’s, we are deeply committed to the welfare of every community we serve, which is why it’s our mission to take Furlough Kitchen by Walk-On’s to all of our markets. Our focus is on helping our communities through these unprecedented times, and we couldn’t be more proud of this movement.”

Depending on the level of donations, Furlough Kitchen may add more Orlando dates. For updates, visit FurloughKitchen.org.