Katy-based Igloo, Guy Fieri team up to help restaurant workers affected by COVID-19

By: Roy Kent - Houston Chronicle

Acclaimed chef Guy Fieri is teaming up with Igloo to produce a limited-edition Playmate cooler to support restaurant employees currently laid off or struggling amid the COVID-19 outbreak.

Many restaurants have curtailed service to just take-out, curbside or delivery services with some simply closing until the outbreak is over. Many employees have been idled and the National Restaurant Association Education Foundation’s Restaurant Employee Relief Fund is helping many of those workers survive in the meantime.

“If you don’t have a need for a good cooler, I don’t think you’re having enough fun! When we get through this crazy time, you’re gonna want to get back out into the sunshine and a great American-made Igloo cooler should be the first thing you grab,” Fieri said in a news release. “With all profits going to support America’s restaurant workers, there couldn’t be a better time to stay cool in Flavortown.”

Katy-based Igloo is making the Fieri-designed cooler. The 7-quart Playmate-style cooler features artwork with Fieri’s iconic “Flavortown” phrase, the Knuckle Sandwich and Restaurant Relief America logos, and a print of Fieri’s signature.

“The restaurant industry and its workers have already felt a tremendous impact due to COVID-19,” said Brian Garofalow, vice president of marketing at Igloo. “We’re honored to support Guy Fieri’s movement and do our small part to help American restaurant workers.”

The coolers are available for $39.99 with 100 percent of the profits donated to the Restaurant Employee Relief Fund. To purchase a cooler or donate to the fund go to igloocoolers.com/guyfieri.

Restaurant workers whose jobs were impacted by COVID-19, can apply online for a one-time $500 check to use toward housing, transportation, utilities, child-care, groceries, medical bills and/or student loans. These grants are administered by the NRAEF and offered on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information on donating to RERF visit RERF.US.

Fieri won Food Network’s television competition show “Next Food Network Star” in 2006 and was awarded his own series, the Emmy nominated “Guy’s Big Bite.” Since that time, he has created a culinary empire which includes TV shows including “Diners, Drive Ins & Dives”; “Guy’s Grocery Games”; and “Guy’s Ranch Kitchen.” On “Diners, Drive Ins & Dives,” Fieri has visited more than a dozen Houston-area restaurants.

Igloo is based at 777 Igloo Road in Katy. For more information go to www.igloocoolers.com.

rkent@hcnonline.com

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