At Habit Burger & Grill, we believe in giving back to our community. Our social purpose team recently had the incredible opportunity to volunteer at Bracken’s Kitchen, a nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing nutritious meals to those in need. This experience was not only enriching but also deeply rewarding, as we were able to directly contribute to the well-being of our community.

About Bracken’s Kitchen

Bracken’s Kitchen is a nonprofit organization focused on combating food insecurity and providing access to healthy meals for underserved communities. They operate a state-of-the-art kitchen where thousands of meals are prepared daily. In addition, they run a food truck that travels to various locations, including Garden Grove, to distribute hot meals, as well as frozen and ready-to-heat meals, to communities and families in need. Beyond just providing meals, Bracken’s Kitchen also offers culinary teaching and cooking classes for individuals aged 16 to 26, equipping them with valuable skills for future employment by hiring them part-time to give them experience.

Habit’s Volunteer Day

Our day at Bracken’s Kitchen was filled with various hands-on tasks which allowed us to immerse ourselves in the heart of their operations. Here’s a glimpse of what we did:

• Prepping fruits, veggies, and meats: We started the day by prepping a variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, and meats. This involved chopping vegetables, peeling carrots, and slicing tomatoes, all essential steps to ensure the meals were ready to be cooked.
• Packaging soups: One of our tasks included packaging delicious soups, making sure they were ready to be distributed to those in need. This task, though simple, was crucial for the efficient delivery of meals.
• Meal Preparation: We got hands-on in the kitchen, actually preparing the food that would be handed out to the community. This included putting together entrées with a garnish and a sauce, alongside a vegetable and a carb, all while paying close attention to the taste and quality of the meals.
• Meal Packing: Once the meals were cooked and ready to go, we helped pack them up so they could be sent out for distribution. This step is vital to ensure that the meals reach their destination in a timely and organized manner.

Our day at Bracken’s Kitchen was not just about volunteering; it was about being part of a larger mission to combat food insecurity and support our community. The Habit Burger & Grill social purpose team is grateful for the opportunity to lend a hand and make a positive impact. We look forward to more opportunities to give back and support the incredible work being done by organizations like Bracken’s Kitchen.

To find out how you can get involved, please visit: You Can Help | Bracken’s Kitchen

The recent fires in Los Angeles brought immense challenges and heartache to our community. At Habit Burger & Grill, our hearts went out to those affected, including our own team members and local restaurants facing uncertain times.

In response to this crisis, we extended our support by serving free Charburger Meals to L.A. evacuees and first responders. Our Habit trucks made their way to various first responder sites, including the Rose Bowl, to ensure that L.A. County firefighters received nourishing meals during their tireless efforts.

Through this collective effort, we were able to serve over 17,000 free meals. While it may seem like a small gesture in the face of such a significant disaster, we hoped it provided some comfort and hot meals to those bravely fighting on the frontlines and to those who lost, or had to leave their homes.

We are incredibly proud of our restaurant team members, the District Managers and District Operators, Team Members, and the truck teams who were in the thick of it, serving evacuees and first responders with incredible hospitality. They did this all while likely processing a slew of personal emotions and situations related to the fires. Their dedication and compassion truly make them heroes in our eyes.

We’re grateful for the opportunity to support our community in times of need, and we remain committed to being there for our friends, neighbors, and colleagues in any way we can.

Thank you to all the incredible first responders and everyone who contributed to helping our city during these difficult times.

From all of us at Habit Burger & Grill.

This past year, the County of Los Angeles Fire Department, ABC7, Toys for Tots, and Southern California firefighters celebrated the 32nd year of the Spark of Love Toy Drive!

At Habit, our connection to Southern California ran deep. Our admiration for local firefighters—true heroes in our community—was boundless. Their daily dedication to protecting and serving inspired us all. This holiday season, we were thrilled to support the Spark of Love Toy Drive.

Our headquarters in Irvine truly embodied the spirit of giving – we brought our Habit truck right onto our campus and rallied our team to collect toys. The excitement and generosity from our staff were heartwarming, and it was amazing to see everyone come together for such a noble cause.

We proudly partnered with ABC News and Southern California firefighters for this event at the iconic Rose Bowl! We donated toys for children and teens in need, while our very own Chef Jason Triail was featured in a live interview with the incredible Leo Stallworth. The spirit of giving was contagious as we spread holiday cheer by serving free, flame-grilled Charburgers to all the heroes and handed out Char Tickets to generous folks who came down to donate toys—including Santa himself.

The Spark of Love Toy Drive is the largest community toy drive in the nation – and we were honored to help spread holiday cheer to kids in need. Together, we made a difference in our community and brought joy to children who deserved it most.

At Habit Burger & Grill, we’re passionate about fostering the growth and development of the future culinary leaders in our communities. That’s why we were proud to sponsor the California Restaurant Foundation’s 11th annual Force in Training (FIT) Day on October 22, 2024.

FIT Day is a transformative event that provides over 3,500 high school students across California the opportunity to gain essential skills and training for successful careers in the restaurant and foodservice industry. This year, Habit was honored to have 30 employees from our restaurant support center and field teams, including members of our Social Purpose group, volunteer their time to support the day’s activities.

“Investing in the next generation of culinary talent is critical to the long-term health and vibrancy of our industry,” said Stacy Hua, Habit’s Sr. Manager of Insights & Analytics, who also serves as the brand’s Social Purpose Team Chair “FIT Day gives these students an invaluable head start, equipping them with tangible skills and experience that will serve them well as they begin exploring careers.”

Throughout the day, Habit’s volunteers assisted culinary students in learning a variety of important techniques – from elevator pitches to effective interviewing strategies. The hands-on training and mentorship allowed participants to build confidence and feel better prepared to enter the workforce.

“It was incredibly rewarding to see the students’ excitement and engagement as they learned new skills,” said Cheryl Thompson, Habit’s Director of Learning & Recruiting and member of the brand’s Social Purpose team who volunteered at the event. “Knowing that we played a role in empowering the next generation of culinary professionals is truly fulfilling.”

Habit is proud to have been a sponsor of this year’s impactful FIT Day. As a brand deeply committed to supporting our local communities, we applaud the California Restaurant Foundation’s efforts to invest in future culinary leaders who will shape the industry for years to come.

To learn more about the California Restaurant Foundation and how you can get involved, please visit their website at calrestfoundation.org. Habit has also been a supporter of high school students in the Pro-Start cooking competition.

At Habit Burger & Grill, our commitment to being a force for good in our communities is core to who we are. Recently, our corporate office employees had the opportunity to volunteer at Community Action Partnership of OC’s Orange County Food Bank, where our team of 32 volunteers spent an afternoon packing an impressive 520 boxes of nutritious food at the Food Bank’s warehouse.

These boxes will provide 25,500 disadvantaged seniors and underprivileged families with young children across Orange County and the surrounding region with essential sustenance this month.

“It was incredibly rewarding to see the difference our team was able to make in just a few hours,” said Stacy Hua, Habit’s Sr. Manager of Insights & Analytics, who also serves as the brand’s Social Purpose Team Chair. “Volunteering is such an empowering way for all of us to use our time and energy to directly support those in need within our local communities.”

The Food Bank distributes these vital food boxes to over 70 different sites, ensuring the food reaches the hands of the families and individuals who need it most. Habit was proud to play a role in helping to pack and prepare these boxes for distribution.

“Every person who volunteers their time is an invaluable and empowering force for positive change,” continued Hua. “We’re grateful to the CAP OC Food Bank for the incredible work they do, and we look forward to finding more ways for the Habit Burger team to get involved and make a difference.”

Habit Burger & Grill is committed to being a socially responsible brand that supports the communities we serve. Volunteering opportunities like this food bank shift are just one way our team puts that commitment into action. We’re proud of the impact our Social Purpose crew was able to have, and we can’t wait for our next chance to roll up our sleeves and give back.

Every volunteer who steps up to support the Orange County Food Bank plays a vital role in their mission to end hunger. And since food insecurity is one of Habit’s social purpose pillars, the team was proud to contribute to this important cause, and are grateful to the Food Bank team for the incredible work they do 365 days a year. Learn more about how you can support the OC Food Bank, here.

Our Commitment to Ending Childhood Hunger: A Decade with No Kid Hungry

As the school year kicks off, many families welcome the return of daily routines. For many children, however, school represents much more than classes and activities—it’s a vital source of nourishment. Shockingly, 1 in 5 kids in the U.S. rely on their school meals as their main source of daily nutrition.

At Habit Burger & Grill, we’re proud to stand with No Kid Hungry, a partnership that’s spanned nearly a decade. Together, our mission is simple yet impactful: ensuring more children have access to consistent, nutritious meals year-round. School meals aren’t just a convenience; they’re a lifeline for children who may not have enough to eat at home.

No Kid Hungry works tirelessly to address this critical need because they know the profound impact of nourishment on children’s ability to focus, learn, and thrive both in and out of the classroom. While school supplies like pencils and paper are essential, No Kid Hungry believes that food is the ultimate school supply—the foundation that allows kids to succeed.

You, too, can play a role in ending childhood hunger. The next time you visit Habit Burger & Grill, consider rounding up your purchase at the kiosk or online. With just a $1 donation, you can help provide 10 meals to kids in need. This small contribution can make a huge difference in the lives of children who rely on school meals as their primary source of daily nutrition. Together, we can work toward a future where no child goes hungry.  Together, we can make a difference—one meal at a time. Learn more: https://secure.nokidhungry.org/site/Donation

At Habit Burger & Grill, our commitment goes beyond serving delicious food – we’re dedicated to nourishing both our communities and the environment. This September, in honor of Environmental Awareness Month, we’re proud to spotlight pressing environmental issues and take action.

That’s why we’re excited to partner once again with the Surfrider Foundation for our 4th annual beach cleanup, working together to protect and preserve our coastlines. Donning our “Good Habits” t-shirts, this year, we hit Huntington Beach.

A Day of Impact

On a sunny Friday morning, our Social Purpose Team, alongside dedicated volunteers from our corporate teams, hit the sands of Huntington Beach armed with gloves, trash bags, and a determination to make a difference. The result? An impressive 100 pounds of trash removed from our beautiful coastline!

Stacy Hua, Sr. Manager, Insights & Analytics who spearheads Habit’s Social Purpose Team, shared her thoughts on the event:

“Our annual beach cleanup is more than just picking up trash – it’s about fostering a sense of responsibility and connection to our environment. Seeing our team and community members come together for this cause is truly inspiring. It’s a reminder that small actions, when multiplied, can create significant change.”

Beyond the Beach: Our Ongoing Commitment

At Habit Burger & Grill, we’re committed to making a positive impact on the environment beyond just cleanup efforts. Did you know that over 97% of our paper-based packaging is responsibly sourced or recycled? This small change is expected to make a significant impact, helping to eliminate close to 288,000 pounds of plastic waste in the U.S. annually.

Join the Movement

Our beach cleanup may be over, but the work to protect our environment is ongoing. We encourage our customers and community members to join us in making conscious choices for the planet – whether it’s participating in local cleanups, reducing single-use plastics, or supporting businesses that prioritize sustainability.

Together, we can make waves of change, one action at a time. Stay tuned for more updates on our environmental initiatives and how you can get involved! Or make a donation to Surfrider Foundation today.

At Habit, we believe in giving back to our community. Recently, our social purpose team rolled up their sleeves and put their muscles to work, partnering with Community Action Partnership of Orange County (CAP OC) to distribute food boxes to those in need. It was a day filled with hard work, smiles, and the satisfaction of making a difference in people’s lives.

A Longstanding Partnership

Our collaboration with CAP OC, a vital social services non-profit, began in July 2022. Since then, we’ve provided monetary grants to support their pop-up pantries program, which offers free food boxes to underprivileged children, seniors, and families across Orange County, Los Angeles County, and Riverside County.

These pop-up pantries serve approximately 10 locations each month, providing essential nutrition through boxes filled with fresh produce, milk, proteins, grains, fruit, and other wholesome items. It’s not just about writing checks, though. Our corporate employees regularly volunteer their time at these distribution sites, actively joining the fight against hunger in communities facing food insecurity.

CAP OC: A Trusted Resource for Over 50 Years

For more than five decades, CAP OC has been a beacon of hope for those struggling with poverty in Orange County. The organization takes a comprehensive approach:

• Addressing immediate needs through the Orange County Food Bank
• Providing utility and rental assistance programs
• Empowering communities to reach their full potential

From infant support to senior relief, CAP OC touches the lives of more than 32,000 households annually. They operate three local Family Resource Centers and offer various community support services to alleviate the financial barriers faced by local families.

Making a Difference, One Box at a Time

Our recent volunteer day was a powerful reminder of the impact we can have when we come together. Food insecurity remains a pressing issue in our communities, but organizations like CAP OC, supported by corporate partners and volunteers, are making significant strides in combating this problem. We’re proud to play a part in this mission and look forward to continuing our partnership with CAP OC in the years to come.

Want to get involved? Visit CAP OC’s website to learn more about volunteer opportunities and how you can support their important work.

THE HABIT BURGER GRILL CELEBRATES TEAM CALIFORNIA’S NATIONAL PROSTART WIN

Habit Burger-Sponsored Orange County School of the Arts Team Triumphs Over 45+ Teams from Across the U.S.

The Habit Burger Grill was thrilled to host a “Welcome Home” party for four students from California’s Orange County School of the Arts (OCSA), who proudly took home first place at the National ProStart Student Invitational in Baltimore, representing a WIN for Team California.

With support from the California Restaurant Foundation (CRF) and state sponsor The Habit Burger Grill, OCSA’s students Tira, Emily, Cynthia and Max topped the Management Competition with their winning restaurant concept, Teddy’s, an all-day breakfast restaurant near a fictional college campus.

The four students, who won scholarship prize money they will share totaling $200,000, were “welcomed home” from Baltimore by Habit Burger Grill in Santa Ana, on May 20^th to celebrate. The restaurant provided complimentary food with an assortment of their signature Charburgers, fresh salads, crispy onion rings, fries, and tempura green beans, as well as creamy hand-spun milkshakes. The rising culinary stars also received tote bags which included culinary-themed gifts from the brand’s Director of Culinary Innovation, Chef Jason Triail, complimentary burger gift cards, along with Habit swag.

“Man, seeing our team become the winning National Team is just mind-blowing,” said Jason Triail, Director of Culinary Innovation at Habit Burger. “The creativity, talent, and dedication these young chefs bring to the table is seriously inspiring. Can’t wait to swing by Teddy’s for a bite someday!”

The celebratory dinner, attended by the students, their parents, their teachers Paola Costa and Daniel Mattos, as well as members of Habit’s corporate team and members of California Restaurant Foundation, included speeches, stories, hugs, laughs, high-fives, and lots and lots of burgers.

“We’re all about supporting culinary passion. And these kids are just so impressive,” remarked Ken Chan, the brand’s Head of Digital and Storytelling. “They worked together in a way that’s truly special. Their concept was brilliant and uncomplicated – and they even wore Teddy Bear ears at Nationals. They not only had a solid idea, but they thought to execute a simple stunt to get people talking. And as a marketeer myself, I love that!”

This win marks a significant achievement, as it’s the first time in 13 years that Team California has won first in the Management Competition. The four students spent countless hours perfecting their presentation over the last two months and answered live questions from the judges during this high-stakes national competition. They had to create a comprehensive business plan that included budget, restaurant design and marketing plans. Their proposal was then pitched to industry professionals, Shark Tank-style.

The Habit Burger Grill has proudly sponsored this exhilarating cooking competition for the past three years. These students are not just participants; they represent the future pillars of our state’s vibrant restaurant and foodservice industries. Habit’s own Chef Jason Triail also served as a judge in the culinary category.

Left to right: Emily Leo (Junior), Tira Smith (Senior), Cynthia Zhou (Sophomore), Max Madsen (Sophomore).

The students got an impromptu huddle on restaurant marketing from The Habit Burger Grill’s Head of Digital & Storytelling, Ken Chan.

What an extraordinary event it was as our very own Chef Jason Triail had the privilege of serving as a judge at the ProStart Cup! This exhilarating cooking competition, which we proudly sponsor, brings together talented high school students from ProStart® programs across California, showcasing their culinary prowess and innovation. These students are not just participants; they represent the future pillars of our state’s vibrant restaurant and foodservice industries.

The ProStart Cup is not just any competition; it’s a platform that nurtures aspiring chefs and managers, providing them with invaluable experience and opportunities for growth. As Chef Jason witnessed firsthand, the level of talent and dedication displayed by these young chefs and future leaders is truly inspiring.

The highlight of the event was undoubtedly the award ceremony, where winning teams were celebrated for their outstanding achievements. Thanks to the generous support of the California Restaurant Foundation, deserving students were honored with medals and scholarships, paving the way for their continued success in the culinary world.

But the excitement doesn’t end there! The victorious teams will now go on to represent California at the National ProStart Student Invitational in Baltimore, MD, this April—a testament to their hard work and culinary excellence.

Without further ado, let’s congratulate the winners of the ProStart Cup:

BJ’s Restaurants Culinary Cup:

• Bonita High School
• OCSA
• Pacifica High School

BJ’s Restaurants Management Cup:

• OCSA
• Fullerton Union High School
• Pacific Grove High School

Loaded Idaho Baked Potato Competition:

• San Dimas High School
• OCSA
• Glen A. Wilson High School

Wienerschnitzel Dress Your Dog Competition:

• San Dimas High School
• Sherman Indian High School
• San Dimas High School

As we applaud these talented students and their achievements, we also celebrate the spirit of innovation, camaraderie, and passion that defines the ProStart Cup. Here’s to the future of culinary excellence, led by these remarkable young chefs!