Dining

Dining initiative could put $500,000 in Southern Smoke coffers

American Express and Resy are teaming for new March campaign aims to drive business to independent restaurants

Greg Morago February 24, 2022 Updated: February 25, 2022, 2:42 pm
Check presentation at Southern Smoke 2019. The Houston-based crisis relief organization could benefit from a new program launched by American Express and Resy. Photo: Robert J. Lerma

Diners who want to help support struggling restaurant industry workers can do so by simply making a restaurant reservation, or resy to be precise.

American ExpressandResy, the restaurant reservation platform, have announced a new national campaign calledEvery Resy Countsthat could potentially result in a half million-dollar donation to Houston-basedSouthern Smoke.

The campaign, set for the month of March, will unlock a $500,000 donation to Southern Smoke once a million reservations are completed. For each subsequent million reservations, American Express and Resy will surprise hundreds of diners by covering the cost of meals at select restaurants throughout the country.

BOURBON BONANZA:Hammer Down, a new 8th Wonder bourbon, to benefit Southern Smoke

Every Resy Counts is American Express’ second campaign to support independent restaurants during the pandemic. Last year’s campaign, Order In, Help Out encouraged diners to order take-out meals while in-restaurant dining was limited.

Southern Smoke, founded by Houston chef Chris Shepherd, is a crisis relief organization that supports the food and beverage industry workforce. To date, the Southern Smoke Foundation has distributed more than $9.7 million since 2015.

The Southern Smoke festival, a barbecue and live-fire culinary event, intends to return to Houston the weekend of Oct. 21.

Greg Morago writes about food for the Houston Chronicle. Follow him onFacebookorTwitter. Send him news tips at greg.morago@chron.com. Hear him on ourBBQ State of Mind podcastto learn about Houston and Texas barbecue culture.

  • Greg Morago
    Greg Morago

    Greg Morago was a features editor and reporter for The Hartford Courant for 25 years before joining the Houston Chronicle as food editor in 2009. He writes about food, restaurants, spirits, travel, fashion and beauty. He is a native Arizonan and member of the Pima tribe of the Gila River Indian Community.