Latest news with #GrubHub
CNN
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- CNN
The ‘GrubHub' for LA's hungry: Bringing the film industry's excess food to people in need
While Hollywood actors may be the face of the film and television industry, teams of professionals work behind the scenes, bringing each cinematic story to life through disciplines like lighting, costumes and set design. For 15 years, Hillary Cohen was one of them, working as an assistant director on TV shows like 'Mad Men,' 'The Office,' and 'NCIS: Los Angeles.' One of the perks she enjoyed were the crew meals provided on set – gourmet, chef-prepared food like steak and seafood. But she'd long been troubled by what happened to the leftovers. 'They would just throw it out,' said Cohen, 40. 'I was always told, 'We can't donate the food. … It's too hard. If someone gets sick, it's a liability.'' While the federal Good Samaritan Act has protected most food donors since 1996, what Cohen witnessed was a long-accepted practice on sets throughout the industry. Eventually, frustration with the situation drove her to start Every Day Action, a nonprofit that picks up extra food from film sets and other businesses and delivers it to communities in need around Los Angeles. Since 2020, the group estimates it has redistributed more than 270,000 meals. 'We're the GrubHub,' she said. 'We take it from point A to point B.' For years, Cohen had a solution in mind about how to distribute surplus food from sets to people in need, but her 16-hour workdays didn't give her much opportunity to pursue it. The Covid-19 pandemic changed that, bringing the film industry to a screeching halt. At first, Cohen threw herself into mask making – she sewed more than 5,000 masks – but in the summer of 2020 she realized she could use this time to turn her vision for rescuing food into reality. 'I'd been saying for a long time that someone should do something about this, and no one had done it,' she said. 'So, I realized … maybe I'll just try.' She called Samantha Luu, a colleague who was also deeply bothered by the issue, and together they got to work. Neither had any nonprofit experience, but as assistant directors – roles that deal with logistics and scheduling – they were used to figuring things out on the fly. They got liability insurance, enabling them to fully release companies of any legal responsibility for donating food. Then, as work resumed, they reached out to their contacts to put their idea into action. As industry insiders familiar with production, they knew how to alleviate management's concerns and pick up the food quickly and discretely. 'We speak their language,' Cohen said. 'I always say, 'We don't care about Martin Scorsese, we just care about your mashed potatoes.'' At first, Cohen and Luu made most of the pickups themselves with the help of volunteers. But when they went back to work, that became unmanageable. As a result, they developed their Film Industry Driver Program, which pays a day rate that covers a stipend and gas to employees like production assistants and background actors for their help. For Cohen, this just made sense: The nonprofit gets 'set savvy' professionals to make pickups, and those with the lowest paid positions in the industry earn some extra money. 'It's a way (for them) to find work in between jobs. It's a shifting schedule, so it's hard to find anywhere else to work,' she said. 'To me, it's just this circle: Reduce waste by using the people in Hollywood … (to help) these people who don't have food.' While Cohen and Luu still make pickups occasionally, most of their time is now spent coordinating logistics. All drivers are trained and given safety vests equipped with an alarm, along with a sign for their vehicle. Food is transported in thermal bags that keep it at a safe temperature. For Stephen Faust, an executive chef who has worked in on-set catering for more than 20 years, the group provides an easy solution to a problem that always bothered him. 'For decades, it broke my heart to throw food away, so we're happy to do it,' Faust said. 'It's just like clockwork. They show up, we pass off the food, and we're all set.' The group picks up meals 24 hours a day, seven days a week from five to 10 locations per day, covering an estimated 90-mile radius in Los Angeles. The food is distributed to shelters, food pantries, nonprofits, community fridges, and homeless encampments. When the writer's strike in 2023 brought production to a stop once again, Cohen and Luu pivoted and built connections with grocery stores, companies, and other venues. 'I'm a high stakes problem solver,' Cohen said. 'In this business, you often hit a roadblock and have to figure out a new plan, so we just approach every day that way.' While their services are free, they strongly encourage locations to make a $50 donation per pickup to help pay the drivers and offset the cost of gas. After working on this effort for nearly four years without pay, much of that time juggling their industry jobs, Cohen and Luu now do this work full-time, earning small part-time salaries. While Cohen isn't sure she's done with working in the film industry, for now her focus is on Every Day Action: connecting the dots – one set, one meal, one person at a time. 'I feel like my skillset is called to do this,' she said. 'Now more than ever, we have to help each other.' Want to get involved? Check out the Every Day Action website and see how to help. To donate to Every Day Action via Pledge, click here
Malaysian Reserve
6 days ago
- Business
- Malaysian Reserve
Zaxbys Heats Up the West with First-Ever Location in Phoenix, Arizona
Famous Chicken Fingerz™ and Signature Zax Sauce® available in the desert starting August 13 ATLANTA, Aug. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Saucy chicken chain Zaxbys® is excited to continue to expand its footprint out West with the opening of its first-ever Phoenix, Arizona location. Located at 37756 N Gantzel Rd., the new Zaxbys is owned and operated by Brian and Jessica Nelson of BOCKBOCK, LLC. It will be open for dine-in and drive-thru service starting on August 13, 2025. In celebration of opening, on August 19 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. local time, there will be a ribbon cutting ceremony featuring opening remarks from Zaxbys Chief Operating Officer, Sharlene Smith, as well as franchisee owner and operator, Brian Nelson. The first 100 guests to visit the new Phoenix Zaxbys location will receive free Zaxbys for 6 months including fan-favorite items like 5 Chicken Fingerz™, the Big Zax Snak® Meal, Zaxbys Signature Sandwich, or Chicken Bacon Ranch Loaded Fries.* Additionally, guests are invited to enjoy Zaxbys fan-favorite menu items, a special 360° photo booth experience and selfie photo opps with Zaxbys props, a live DJ and spin the Zaxbys prize wheel for the chance to win prizes. 'Following the tremendous success of our Las Vegas opening, we're proud to announce Zaxbys newest location in Phoenix, Arizona,' said Sharlene Smith, Chief Operating Officer at Zaxbys. 'Thanks to the dedication of our franchise partners, Brian and Jessica Nelson, we're accelerating our growth out West and continuing to introduce the Zaxbys famous Fingerz and signature sauces to new fans across the country.' On the heels of a successful Zaxbys Las Vegas opening this past Spring, the brand is excited to bring its fan-favorite crispy Chicken Fingerz™, twelve signature sauces and full line-up of mouthwatering menu items to an entirely new Western market in Phoenix with an already vibrant and evolving food scene. Arizona marks the second new state entry for Zaxbys in 2025 as the brand continues to build awareness amongst new consumers and attract more franchisee partners. Zaxbys is on track to eclipse its 1,000th new store opening in 2025. Spanning 3,000 square feet, the new Zaxbys is equipped with 56 seats for dine-in guests, as well as a dual drive-thru and curbside pickup door for expedited service. The new location's Modern Farmhouse design features prominent branding with Zaxbys signature colors, logo, and sauce medallions, as well as a cohesive brand story showcased through vibrant elements and sauce-inspired art. Customers may also order ahead online via through the Zaxbys app, and GrubHub for curbside pickup. The app is available for download on Google Play and the App Store. Ordering for delivery is also available directly through the app, as well as through DoorDash, GrubHub, UberEats, and EZCater. Zaxbys serves fresh, prepared-at-order Chicken Fingerz™ and wings tossed in a variety of bold signature sauces, as well as wildly popular Chicken Bacon Ranch Loaded Fries, fan-favorite Fried Pickles and its iconic lineup of Zalads including Asian Zensation, Blue Zalad, The Cobb and The House. In the heat of the long summer nights out West, Zaxbys is cooling down the desert with its fan-favorite Handcrafted Milkshakes available in Chocolate, Vanilla, Strawberry, and Birthday Cake, each topped with real whipped cream, sprinkles, and a cherry. 'We are thrilled to introduce Zaxbys to Arizona!' said Brian Nelson, Owner and Operator. 'While we may represent a trusted national brand with craveable, high-quality chicken and sauces, we are truly just regular people, determined to bring smiles to our guest's faces and help create meaningful lasting memories with our food and hospitality at the center.' The Nelsons are working to open additional Zaxbys locations in Phoenix in the coming years. To help build this first location, they contracted local Contractor Marsh Development, Inc. The new restaurant is expected to provide up to 70 new employment opportunities. Interested applicants may visit workstream to apply for all available positions. * Free Zaxbys for 6 months will be given to guest in the form of rotating weekly comp card offers. **8/19/25 only at the Phoenix, Arizona grand opening event. Available to first 100 guests 16+ who purchase a Zaxby's meal in-store during the grand opening event. Limit 1 per household. No cash value. Not for resale and will not be replaced if lost or stolen. Zaxby's reserves the right to modify, suspend, or terminate this offer at any time. Void where prohibited. About Zaxbys Founded in 1990, Zaxbys® is committed to serving delicious Chicken FingerzTM, Zalads®, wings, and signature sauces with Southern hospitality and a modern twist. Zaxbys has over 980 locations in 19 states and is headquartered in Atlanta, Ga. For more information, visit or Media Contact:pr@
BBC News
21-07-2025
- General
- BBC News
Coventry food charity user says missing meals to feed kids is the norm
Parents using a social supermarket in Coventry have said they would struggle to feed their children without it, with one recipient of free school meals describing the lack of them during summer holidays as "horrendous".Claire said regularly going without meals so her children could eat had "become the norm".The Grub Hub on Wyken Road has been helping people in the community deal with the cost of living crisis, offering discounted food mum, who has two school-age children with special needs, said the facility was a "lifeline", adding: "It's so difficult, I don't know what we'd do without it". Another mum, Precious, explained she was initially embarrassed about using the charity to feed her three children, "but it has become a chance to meet others and share life's issues".She lives with her partner who has a full-time job but, she added: "He carries a lot but it's not always a light burden to carry"."I can't tell you how much this place helps." Alainea Stark is a carer for her nine-year-old daughter and volunteers at the centre. She said it could be "incredibly daunting" the first time people came but "you get to know other people and it's a good sense of community".Users pay a membership fee in return for discounted weekly groceries."When people pay they feel they are contributing," she Williams, chief executive of Moathouse Community Trust, which runs the Grub Hub, said recent food cost increases had left people "really struggling".Over the summer the charity will plans to provide activities and hot lunches for children at its Winston Avenue centre. Follow BBC Coventry & Warwickshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
NDTV
15-07-2025
- NDTV
Police Deliver Pizza After Arresting Delivery Agent In Arizona, US
The role of the police is to protect citizens and ensure that everyone follows the law, among several other responsibilities. However, considerate and kind police officers are often willing to go the extra mile for the comfort of the public. Recently, one such heartwarming incident was reported from Tempe, Arizona, in the United States. The Tempe Police Department shared a video from the incident on their official X handle, which has since gone viral. In the clip, two police officers are seen standing outside a residence, holding a large pizza box. They ring the doorbell, and a woman answers, looking surprised to find police at her doorstep. "How are you doing? Brandy?" one of the officers asks. "Yes," she responds, still puzzled. "So, your GrubHub (an American food delivery company) guy got arrested, so we still delivered your pizza," the officer explains. The customer appears stunned and unsure how to respond. The officer then adds lightheartedly, "It should still be warm." The woman smiles and thanks the officers for the pizza. In the caption of the video, the police department wrote, "When a delivery driver was arrested during a traffic stop, our officers made sure the pizza still got to the customer. The order was Hot-N-Ready, and the suspect was Caught-N-Steady. We're committed to serving our community 24/7-whether it's safety or pizza delivery!" When a delivery driver was arrested during a traffic stop, our officers made sure the pizza still got to the customer. The order was Hot-N-Ready, and the suspect was Caught-N-Steady. We're committed to serving our community 24/7—whether it's safety or pizza delivery! — Tempe Police Department (@TempePolice) July 12, 2025 Several viewers praised the police officers for their heartwarming gesture in the comments section: "I'm proud of our men in blue. Thank you for your service," an X user wrote. Another said, "What a surprise it would be to see these policemen at your door with pizza!" One viewer quipped, "But was it under 30 minutes?" Another commented, "Patrol Police Officers are such nice young guys. They come up with great ways to serve their communities."
Daily Mail
14-07-2025
- Daily Mail
GrubHub customer left shocked after police officers arrest pizza delivery man
An Arizona woman was astounded after police officers arrested her GrubHub driver and then instead delivered the pizza to her. Footage shared by the Tempe Police Department shows two cops helped make sure the customer got her dinner. Around 10pm on July The Fourth, police pulled over and handcuffed a man they said was racing and recklessly driving. 'So, your GrubHub guy got arrested, so, still delivered your pizza.' As he explained the unusual situation, Brandy's mouth dropped open in disbelief and she let out a gasp. 'Well, I really appreciate the pizza, thank you very, very, much!' she responded while chuckling. 'It still should be warm,' the second officer chimed in. Based on video timestamps, only about 15 minutes had passed from the time the driver was arrested and the pizza arrived at her apartment. The department proudly shared video from the unusual ordeal on Saturday, writing: 'When a delivery driver was arrested during a traffic stop, our officers made sure the pizza still got to the customer. 'The order was Hot-N-Ready, and the suspect was Caught-N-Steady. 'We're committed to serving our community 24/7 - whether it's safety or pizza delivery!' On social media, some viewers seemed just as shocked as Brandy was with the officers' delivery decision - which was certainly outside their job description. 'I would be so confused as well if that was my order,' someone wrote on X, with another adding 'This is and serve done right.' A department spokesperson told the Daily Mail on Sunday night he did not have the arrested driver's name or exact charges available. The Daily Mail has reached out to GrubHub for comment on the incident.
