From day one we have operated our restaurants in the spirit of famiglia, even so far as having “treat everyone like family” as one of our company values. But what family doesn’t have conversations about the hard stuff? Our restaurant group, like many in the city, has benefited directly from Black culture and the incredible People of Colour who makeup the backbone of our businesses. ⠀ ⠀ We pride ourselves on being culturally relevant and there is nothing more relevant than fighting ongoing injustices against the Black community. It is not okay to benefit from Black people and culture and stay silent during this time. ⠀ ⠀ We have stayed quiet too long. Black Lives Matter. ⠀ ⠀ We stand in solidarity against systemic racism, white supremacy, and the historic oppression of people in the Black community. We are inspired by people who have used their voices and made change. We need to do more. In the short term, we will be making a donation to the Black Legal Action Centre (a non-profit community legal clinic that provides free legal services for low or no income Black residents of Ontario), Black Health Alliance (community-led registered charity working to improve the health and well-being of Black communities in Canada) & Urban Alliance (non-profit charitable organization that works primarily and proactively with the community, public and private sectors to provide educational programs and research, which are critical in addressing racism in society) and will continue to donate $1 from each takeout order to these organizations for the month of June. ⠀ ⠀ We are also using this time to deeply reflect on what we, as an organization, can do long term in solidarity, as well as make our restaurants a place where all team members, especially People of Colour, can not only feel supported, but can thrive. ⠀ ⠀ There is no quick fix for this but we are prepared for the long and hard work that needs to be done. To those who continue to stand up against racial injustice: we see you. And we stand with you. ⠀ ⠀ Janet Zuccarini (@janetzuccarini)⠀ CEO of Gusto 54 Restaurant Group