The Habit Burger Grill's 2012 Expansion & Fundraising Generates over $100,000 for Non-Profits

IRVINE, Calif., Dec. 19, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Habit Restaurants, LLC, an Irvine-based restaurant company, has completed an impressive expansion in 2012 with the openings of 17 Habits in California and Arizona, bringing the number of restaurants to 63. Equally satisfying is the organization's philosophy, "Doing Our Part," which gives back to the communities they serve and has been captured on a video posted on YouTube. This year, between pre-opening events held for every new restaurant and ongoing fundraising at existing locations, The Habit collectively raised over $100,000 for local non-profits. Although the charities vary depending on the community, frequent benefactors include the Boys & Girls Clubs, YMCA, MDA, Share our Strength, and educational foundations and local schools (partial list follows).  

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"The Habit follows a simple but effective plan for each opening that's been part of the company culture for a long time," shared Russ Bendel, CEO of the organization. "About six weeks out, our marketing and local teams start researching community partners and come up with a short list of organizations to approach. We select three dates, pair each with a non-profit and then host two lunches and one dinner where guests may order from the complete menu. The partnership encourages the charity to invite their supporters in for lunch or dinner. We then give 100% of all proceeds back to the non-profit."  Mike Mirkil, the Habit's VP of Marketing, added: "It's a win-win--they get a sneak peek of a restaurant that will be opening soon, our crews get to practice, and it's a joy at the end to make three meaningful donations to our partners and new neighbors." Total donated proceeds for each opening typically range from $4000 to $6000. Once open, The Habit partners with non-profits who select a certain day when supporters identify themselves and 20% of their check goes to that organization.

Some of the beneficiaries of The Habit's generosity in 2012 include:

• Barrow Neurological Foundation (Phoenix)
• Bolsa Chica Conservancy
• Boys & Girls Clubs
• Children's Hospital of Orange County (CHOC)
• Contra Costa Humane Society
• CRAEF (California Restaurant Association Educational Foundation) and ProStart
• Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (of San Diego)
• Estancia High School (Costa Mesa)
• Folsom Zoo
• Food Bank of Contra Costa & Solano Counties
• Friends of San Clemente
• Girls, Inc.
• Huntington Beach Educational Foundation
• Irvine High School
• La Canada Community Center
• Muscular Dystrophy Association
• Phoenix Humane Society
• Sacramento Children's Museum
• Share Our Strength
• YMCA

The Habit Burger Grill distinguishes itself in the fast casual burger segment with its signature Charburger, menu variety and value.  The Habit, whose motto is "there's no substitute for quality," was founded in 1969 in Santa Barbara. The Habit Truck was launched last year with a full kitchen, digital menu board and sound system and the ability to serve off-site events from 100 to 500+ guests. For more information, visit www.habitburger.com. The Habit is also on Facebook at www.facebook.com/habitburger, on Twitter at @HabitBurger and on YouTube at www.youtube.com/habittube.

About The Habit Burger Grill

The Habit opened in Santa Barbara, California in 1969.  Soon after, 16-year old Brent Reichard got his first job there flipping burgers and a few years later he and his brother Bruce made the life-changing decision to buy it. Through hard work and dedication The Habit has grown since then, but remains focused on one simple philosophy: always deliver high quality food and great service at reasonable prices.

CONTACT: Lee Healy
Lee Healy Marketing Communications
949-760-3054
[email protected]

SOURCE Habit Restaurants, LLC