NC restaurant group focuses on World Central Kitchen

Another area business is hoping to make an impact for the greater good. LM Restaurants, which operates Carolina Ale House, Oceanic Restaurant, Hops Supply Company and Bluewater in the area, has a goal to raise $100,000 by the end of July for national nonprofit World Central Kitchen. 

WCK was founded by celebrity chef José Andres in 2010 and sends teams of chefs into areas of crises — hurricanes, tornadoes, war zones — to ensure people in need are properly fed with a hot meal. Currently, WCK is set up in the Ukraine and even survived a Russian missile strike in April, which left four people wounded.

LM’s fundraising efforts kicked off June 23 and raised $10,000 at a dinner hosted at its Vidrio restaurant in Raleigh. LM runs 10 signature brands across 29 restaurants in the state.

“We are excited for all of our restaurants to come together in a company-wide fundraising effort to support the people of Ukraine,” Vidrio owner Lou Moshakos said in a press release. “We fully support and admire the work of World Central Kitchen, especially in Ukraine and the surrounding countries. Together, we can significantly impact our global community through food and hospitality.”

All month LM restaurants will have a special cocktail made with Dutch brand Ketel One’s botanical peach and orange blossom vodka, peach liqueur, fresh lemon juice, housemade simple syrup and fresh mint for $12, with all proceeds donated to WCK.

As well, LM is hosting special fundraising events, including one at Oceanic on July 21,  6 p.m. to 9 p.m. The Sunset Soiree will take place at Crystal Pier and will include live music, hors d’oeuvres and a reception cocktail. Tickets are $45 with all proceeds donated to WCK.