Hospitality is in our bones.  We take great pride in nourishing our fellow men and women.  Those of us who can are staying open because we do not know what will happen if we close our doors.  We have had to improvise our menus, our dining areas, and even what we offer so that we can stay afloat.  Some restaurants have already closed, leaving their servers, bartenders, cooks, managers, hosts, dishwashers, food runners and more all wondering what they are going to do to survive.

Even before the recent unpleasantness had us in its grips, we worked long and hard, carefully tending to the all the little details, creating a memorable experience for you and your loved ones.  Now we are forced to work shorthanded, some of us with no days off, working open to close, just to keep the doors open for one more day.  We have dedicated ourselves to this passion, this craft, and this lifestyle not just for you, but also to fulfill something within ourselves.  The Caring, Nourishing, Loving part of ourselves that lights us up whenever we can make you smile.

I believe it is time to give the Hospitality Workers of The World their own day.  It is long overdue.  A day where the men and women of the restaurants, bars, supper clubs, bakeries, noodle shops, pizzerias, taquerias, barbecue joints, coffee houses and countless other places that make service to their fellow citizens their life's work are recognized.  Let's give them their own holiday.  Please sign this petition as we send it to the James Beard House, the National Restaurant Association, the mayor of Charleston as well as the Governor of South Carolina.  Much love, y'all!