In Brooklyn, when we brunch we brunch HARD. But, to brunch AND be philanthropic all at the same time? Last Saturday Rally Downtown hosted Brunchtacular: the mother of all brunches, in which a portion of the proceeds benefit The Lamp and Greenpoint Reformed Church Food Pantry.
The event was hosted at T.B.D., the largest beer garden in Greenpoint, featuring local restaurants: Anella, Action Burger, Cafecito Bogota, Ovenly, The Bagel Store, Mabels Smokehouse, Selamat Pagi, and Brooklyn Label. And get this: it was a three-hour, all-you-can-eat brunch, with bottomless mimosas.
In the midst of the brunch-madness, I was able to be chat with founder, Tom Gray and grab the inside scoop on Brunchtacular:
Greenpointers: What was the impetus of “Brunchtacular” ?
Tom: We thought it was a unique way to highlight local businesses, while supporting some great nonprofits organizations that serve Greenpoint and the rest of Brooklyn.
Greenpointers: How did you choose the vendors/sponsors?
Tom: The beer garden at T.B.D is amazing! That coupled with the amazing staff and owner made it impossible not to have the event there! I am on the junior board of The Lamp and believe in their mission. Several folks recommended bringing the Greenpoint Reformed Church Food Panty on board, and we thought their mission fit right in with our event.
Greenpointers: How did Rally Downtown come about?
Tom: Rally Downtown was created after Superstorm Sandy in order to help small businesses get back on their feet. Nearly every business lost a week of revenue, inventory and other assets. Sales have still not bounced back for those lucky enough to have survived intact and reopen their doors.
Currently, Rally helps drive traffic to small businesses in creative ways, and is committed to donating a minimum of 10% of their revenue to local non profit organizations. The commercial character of New York City’s neighborhoods can only be preserved if we support our unique small businesses. Rally will continue to develop new ways to support small businesses and encourage folks to shop local.
Greenpointers: Who were you most excited to have at Brunchtacular?
Tom: The Bagel Store stepped up and came on at the last minute to fill our bagel void. I had never tried their product, and was blown away at what they had to offer. Bacon egg and cheese baked directly into a bagel, come on!
Greenpointers: Are there more events where we can go and support Rally Downtown?
Tom: We do! Click here.
Check out more Brunchtacular photos here. And “LIKE” Rally Downtown!
BONUS: few places are offering extras until the end of the month to the Brunchtacular guests who bring their vouchers to their restaurants. Osteria il Paiolo and Garfield’s Grill and Chill will provide a free sampling of their brunch menu. Action Burger is offering free fries. The Bagel Store is offering a free bagel, and Mables Smokehouse is offering a free bloody mary!
Nothing in the story about it being oversold by 100 tickets and people being turned away? Not blaming organizers, as I was told this was a mistake by AmazonLocal, but that fact should be mentioned…