Local Restaurants Team Up to Give Gourmet Food to Those in Need

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Tokyo Cafe has had its own share of struggles like any other restaurant dealing with the affects of COVID-19 — that hasn't stopped them from putting together care packages to give to struggling families every Sunday.

But these care packages don't just carry the basic milk and eggs — the offerings are legit. Elotes from Panther City BBQ. Mole chicken from Magdalena's. Mushroom risotto made by Jen Williams — you know, the Fort Worth chef that once cooked for President Barack Obama.

For Tokyo Cafe chef Kevin Martinez, it's a small way to make a difficult situation better. 

"Our thought was, we're not just going to make whatever," he says. "We want people who get [these care packages] to be happy." 

Tokyo Cafe and other restaurants began giving out care packages about nine weeks ago. Martinez began by simply calling other restaurants, saying, "Hey, so here's what I'm doing. I need y'all to throw stuff into this bag." 

And they did. 

"It's not your basic sandwiches, chips. You're getting a gourmet meal to feed you for the week," says Magdalena's chef Juan Rodriguez. "People are surprised. 'Oh wait, this is actually nice, good, chef-driven food.'"

Martinez says the restaurants give out at least 100 packages every Sunday, with offerings varying each week.

The care packages are for everybody — there are no background checks nor questions asked, aside from, "Do you know anyone else in need, and can you take this to them?"

"These are not handouts; these are investments into the future of our city," Martinez says. "I understand some people that are like, 'Oh, I don't want to come. I still have a little bit of money saved.' I'm like, 'Well, just come and get food, so you don't have to spend the money you have saved.'"

Tokyo Cafe announces the location and time of each event on its social media pages. This Sunday's event will be at Chat Room (1263 W. Magnolia Ave.) from noon to 2 p.m. Packages will include beef cheeks from Panther City BBQ, bread from Great Harvest Bread Co., French macarons from Club Reflection, and ribeye steaks grilled by Tokyo Cafe, among other items. 

"It doesn't suck," Martinez says.

Martinez has also started a GoFundMe campaign for those who would like to donate to help fund the effort.

"We've always had the philosophy to give 'til it hurts," he says. "This is why I love Fort Worth ... everyone comes together."