Lunches prepared by Upper Crust Barberton ready for Akron kids at Main Street Saloon
Main Street Saloon: A Legacy of Akron Community Support
Since 1985, Main Street Saloon has been a cornerstone of the Akron community. This family-run restaurant, currently managed by Brooke Kennamore and owned by her mother, Marlene Denholm, is celebrated for its mouthwatering house-smoked BBQ, expertly hand-cut steaks, and comforting homemade side dishes. However, their commitment extends far beyond the menu; Main Street Saloon is deeply invested in giving back to the Akron community that has supported them for decades.
Brooke Kennamore explains the heartfelt origins of their free lunch initiative, a program they have passionately run for over ten years. “My grandfather actually started the free lunch program about a decade ago. He remembered times when he was younger and hungry. He always wanted to ensure that no one in our community went hungry, especially kids, because he knew exactly what that felt like.” This deeply personal motivation fuels their ongoing dedication to the children of Akron.
Ingredients and packed lunches for Main Street Saloon's free kids meal program in Akron
What began as a modest effort has flourished into a substantial community program. Main Street Saloon now provides between 100 and 150 free lunches daily throughout the summer months. This year, running from June 3rd to August 6th, Main Street Saloon welcomes children Monday through Friday, from noon to 2 pm, to receive a free sack lunch, with no questions asked.
Brooke proudly shares the program’s impressive growth: “This initiative has genuinely expanded in the last couple of years. We’ve already given out a total of 2,600 lunches this year alone!” This number reflects the increasing need and the significant impact Main Street Saloon is having.
Visit Main Street Saloon at 1481 South Main Street, Akron, OH, and stay updated on their community initiatives by following them on Facebook.
Upper Crust Pizza & Chicken: Barberton’s Newcomer with a Big Heart
While Upper Crust Pizza & Chicken’s Barberton location is a newer addition to the local food scene, they are swiftly establishing themselves as a business that cares deeply about its community.
Co-owner and operator Briana Flanagan, bringing over 16 years of experience in the pizza industry, joined forces with Main Street Saloon’s initiative last year. What started as a single, generous donation quickly evolved into a weekly commitment. Now, Upper Crust Pizza & Chicken provides a remarkable 100 lunches every Friday throughout the summer to support Main Street Saloon’s program.
Upper Crust Barberton team preparing to deliver 100 free lunches to Main Street Saloon in Akron
Briana explains her inspiration for joining Brooke and Main Street Saloon’s mission: “I was really impressed to see Brooke, a young woman in our industry, doing such incredible things. Hearing the heartwarming story of how her father started this and how she is dedicated to continuing his legacy truly resonated with me. I was eager to offer our help.”
Briana’s team of 15 employees is fully invested in making a difference. “It’s genuinely enjoyable for us to plan the lunch menu each week and dedicate time as a team to prepare everything. For me, it’s simply about doing my part to ensure that hunger is never a barrier to a child’s potential for success,” Briana passionately states.
Free lunches made by Upper Crust Barberton ready for distribution to kids in need
Upper Crust Pizza & Chicken’s commitment to giving back extends beyond this initiative. They also regularly donate to homeless shelters, local non-profit organizations, school programs, and more, demonstrating their wide-reaching dedication to community well-being.
Visit Upper Crust’s Barberton location at 1378 Wooster Rd W, Barberton, OH, and connect with them on Facebook and Instagram. Explore their full menu and offerings on their website.
Local Businesses Unite for a Greater Akron Cause
The partnership between Main Street Saloon and Upper Crust Pizza & Chicken beautifully exemplifies how local Akron businesses are uniting to address critical community needs. Beyond Upper Crust, other local organizations such as Dominos in Tallmadge and Akron Bible Church have also contributed to this vital effort, providing essential food items and generous donations. This collaborative spirit amplifies the impact and reach of the free lunch program.
Upper Crust Barberton team members preparing free lunches for Akron children
Both Brooke and Briana underscore the profound importance of community giveback.
Brooke expresses sincere gratitude: “We want to extend a huge thank you to all the incredible volunteers who have generously dedicated their time to help us pack lunch bags, prepare sandwiches, and distribute lunches. Their support is invaluable.”
Briana echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the interconnectedness of local businesses and the community: “My business cannot thrive in a struggling community. We depend on community support for our success, so it’s absolutely essential that we reciprocate and support our community in return.”
Rows of free lunches ready for pickup at Main Street Saloon in Akron
How You Can Support Main Street Saloon’s Initiative
The positive impact of Main Street Saloon’s free lunch program is undeniable. To continue and expand this crucial initiative, Main Street Saloon relies on the ongoing generosity of the Akron community. While they currently have sufficient volunteers for this year’s program, they warmly welcome donations of food items or monetary contributions to ensure the program’s future success and sustainability.
If you are interested in supporting this vital cause, please contact Main Street Saloon directly at 330-724-8855. Stay connected and receive future updates on their community programs by following their Facebook Page. Your support can help Main Street Saloon continue to be a beacon of hope and assistance for children in Akron.
