“I made the decision when I first opened my restaurants that we would always welcome police officers with open arms,” explains Joseph Palladino, retired NYPD officer and restaurateur. “[I] comp their meals as a small gesture of my appreciation. Because they put their lives on the line for us every day, not just during tragedies like last Thursday night.”
Many restaurants have donated food and resources following last week’s tragedy. I was shocked, however, to learn that this is something Palladino has already been doing at all of his concepts year-round. The lineup includes Nick & Sam’s Steakhouse, Nick & Sam’s Grill, Coal Vines, Dos Jefes, and Biergarten on Lamar.
“Police officers are asked to do so much for so many, so often, for so little in return,” he says. And his offer is extended to all police officers, not just those who live and work in Dallas.
Additionally, a fundraiser benefiting the Guns & Hoses Foundation of North Texas will be held at Dos Jefes this Thursday, July 14 from 5 p.m.until 2 a.m.
“What happened here in Dallas last Thursday night broke my heart, it made me angry, and it reminded me that our city is blessed with some of the bravest men and women in uniform anywhere,” says Palladino. “There’s only so much any of us can do to show our sincere gratitude, and what I can do is open the doors at Dos Jefes and ask people who share our gratitude to join us and add their support however they can.”
In addition to every dollar from the night’s food and drink sales being donated to the charity, the event will feature a silent auction to raise funds. Dozens of items will be up for grabs including dinner for six at Nick & Sam’s Steakhouse with Dallas Cowboys’ Tony Romo and Jason Witten, Dallas Mavericks signed memorabilia, a round of golf for four at Dallas National Golf Club (playing with Palladino), two private dinners at home for ten people prepared by Nick & Sam’s executive chef Samir Dhurandhar, and more.
“I’m also really proud to say that my good friend, Brian Sheth, has stepped up and pledged to match all the money raised at Dos Jefes on Thursday dollar-for-dollar, up to $100,000,” says Palladino. (Sheth is co-founder and president of Vista Equity Partners.) “Brian recently moved his company to Dallas from San Francisco, and he wanted to show his appreciation and lend his support to our police department as well.”