Chili’s Gives Back: “Doin’ Good for the Wood”

Local Chili’s General Manager Jamie Roper explained that Chili’s has many mottos, a very important one, “Think Globally, Act Locally” is something his crew is taking to heart.

The Chili’s employees in Brownwood call themselves the “Give Back Team” and even sport T-shirts that say “Doin’ Good for the Wood”. Roper and staff volunteered on their hours off Monday to help the local Salvation Army feed the people at their Loaves and Fishes Lunch Program. Chili’s staff sliced, diced, cooked and even served the people, giving them the Chili’s treatment, full service with a smile.

“Volunteering brings it home, understanding a little more of what is going on (in your own town),” stated Roper. “I’ve only been here for three months now, coming out here (to Brownwood) we saw that the people had a need.”

Roper said that he feels volunteering helps make people understand their community; helping out those in need really makes the volunteer ultimately become a better person, which in turn helps the employer have a better employee.

The idea of helping at Salvation Army, Roper credits to his employee Amanda Meyers. About a month ago, Meyers stated that she heard on the radio that a local organization held a food drive, but that they did not have enough man power to deliver the food and were asking for help. That radio spot inspired Meyers to do something. She then asked coworkers if they would join her if she would volunteer at the Salvation Army.

Roper said that the “Give Back Team” is looking for more projects for involvement. If a local organization or charity is looking for cheap labor for a clean-up, delivering meals to the homebound or other charitable efforts, “Give Back Team” is willing to help. Just contact Chili’s in Brownwood at 325-641-1314 and ask for Jamie Roper.

Chili’s is a company of restaurants that are “copy cats”…if one does something that goes over well, the others tend to do the same said Roper.

“Hopefully we’ll see others pick up on this,” stated Roper.

Roper said that coming from Weatherford, he noticed a difference in Brownwood and that the people have really made him feel welcome.

“I’ve been impressed with the people in Brownwood to see everyone here have been happy and welcoming to me,” stated Roper.

Before the meal was served, Patsy Pierce (one of Chili’s wait staff) led a brief devotional from Matthew 7:23 about the Fruits of the Spirit.

Pictured above are: (Chili’s employee volunteers) Charles Standridge, Amanda Meyers, Allyn Roper, Edgar Ibarra, Eleazar Ibarra, and Leah Lacky (Kitchen Manager for Salvation Army).

Below are pictures taken during the lunch: