Plymouth Restaurant Gives Back to the Community One Burger At a Time

The Eat Shop Kitchen and Bar in Plymouth is literally putting its money where your mouth is.

While many restaurants have specials monthly, weekly or daily, the Eat Shop is  taking it to another level and helping the community too.

The Eat Shop's Burger of the Month is a chance for burger lovers to name their own burger as part of fundraiser for organizations.

According to an Eat Shop press release, the idea got started last November  when a friend suggested raising money for the Ordway Circle of Stars gala, which raises funds so thousands of underprivileged children can enjoy live arts at the Ordway.

 “I remember the call from Lisa Anderson, an O.C.O.S. board member, who wanted to auction a chance to name and create a burger of the month on the Eat Shop menu”, said Reid Sellgren, a business partner at the Eat Shop. “Why would anyone want to name a burger at a restaurant in Plymouth, and much less pay for the opportunity to do so?” 

Sellgren was "really wrong," the Ordway Circle of Stars sold four Burgers-of-the-Month for $300 each, providing the opportunity for dozens of children to see a show at the Ordway in 2013. 

But don't despair, a Burger-of-the-Month doesn't cost $300 to eat. Currently it’s only $12.95 and includes a handmade sandwich with your choice of fries, salad or housemade soup. The person(s) who decide to create the burger are the ones who donate the $300 to a good cause.

And besides the opportunity to have your own burger immortalized on the menu, the Eat Shop contributes a meal for the namer to come in and try their burger with a few friends.   

“But it didn’t stop there”, Sellgren said.

As soon as the idea caught wind, others started to line up. 

Last month's Burger-of-the-Month was the Buckner Burger, named for the family that created it. 

“It’s not an unfamiliar combination with mushrooms, blue cheese and bacon, but it’s made from scratch and our guest gave $300 to an excellent cause to enjoy it”, said Eat Shop Executive Chef Jeff Anderson. “It’s fun to have our guests directly engaged in the menu. I just wish they’d push the ingredients harder, bring on some fruit, meats or unique sauces--make it challenging.”

Wayzata Family Learning Center, Oakwood Elementary School, and Redeemer School have each raised $300 at their recent live auctions. The Learning Center will use it toward scholarships, Oakwood for PTA support and Redeemer to buy new learning materials. 

“It’s a great way to engage the community. We have regulars come in and say they can’t wait to try the Dead End Burger (in June) or the Bergie Burger (in July) or others yet to come like one from Interfaith Outreach and Community Partners, who are best known for their annual winter Sleep Out to raise awareness for the homeless,” Sellgren said. 

The Eat Shop opened in September of 2012 and has already donated and been part of raising more than $5,000 for nearly 20 charities in the Twin Cities.

The Eat Shop is located at 16605 County Road 24 in Plymouth. 

You can also visit the Eat Shop Facebook page for more information.