Restaurateurs launch nonprofit to support hospitality workers
Group aims to help fellow workers overcome alcoholism, substance abuse
Anyone who’s worked in the hospitality industry knows the stress that oftentimes comes with the job. Servers, bartenders, chefs, managers and others put in long hours, often working at a hurried pace, to satisfy patrons.
It also comes with its share of drug and alcohol abuse. “Work hard, play hard” is the mantra of many and unfortunately “play hard” can lead to substance abuse and addiction. That can lead to health problems, broken families, loss of a job or worse; loss of life.
Chris Conneen, owner of Pizza Gallery and Grill and 28 North in The Avenue Viera, is no stranger to that lifestyle.
“While working in restaurants, my substance abuse and addictions almost cost me my life,” Conneen said. On June 10, he celebrated 24 years sober.
Seeing there were colleagues going down the same slippery slope and others who were in need of everyday support, Conneen partnered with Buz Underill, owner of the Squid Lips Overwater Grill chain and founded Hospitality Life, a faith-based, charitable, nonprofit organization.
Comprised of local food and beverage industry owners, operators and employees, Hospitality Life provides resources, activities, and services to help hospitality workers live a more abundant life. These include classes to help become financially stable, counseling to improve personal relationships and mental health, support for single parents, free meals, and scholarship opportunities for those in need.
In 2020, Conneen read “Say Grace…How the Restaurant Industry Saved My Life” and was moved by the story author Steve Palmer told about his life, addictions, grace and recovery in the hospitality industry. Palmer quotes, “We are an incredibly giving industry. We care for others…We serve guests, but we do not serve each other.”
That was no more apparent than in 2017 when one of Palmer’s talented chefs, Ben Murray, took his own life while battling alcoholism.
From that tragedy, Palmer connected with Mickey Bakst, another successful restauranteur based in Charleston, S.C., with 30 years in recovery and started Ben’s Friends, a support group offering hope, fellowship, and a path forward for those who struggle with substance abuse and addiction.
Seeing the need in Brevard, Conneen asked Bakst to come down and help launch the first Florida chapter of Ben’s Friends in Viera.
Currently, chapters can be found in 13 states across the U.S. Members meet weekly and can either attend in person or online. There are also weekly online meetings for men and women, respectively: Ben’s Friends for Men and Ben’s Friends Femmes.
Conneen knows it’s just a start, but he hopes Hospitality Life and Ben’s Friends will grow to help many in Brevard beat their addictions and live healthy, fulfilling lives.
Hospitality Life
Ben’s Friends
When: Meetings are in person and online every Tuesday, 10-11 a.m.
Where: Pizza Gallery and Grill, 2250 Town Center Ave., Suite 113 in The Avenue Viera.
More information: bensfriends.com
Both organizations are open to all members of the hospitality industry. There is no charge to attend or seek out services or support.
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