Tampa-based Metro Diner has started asking guests to "round up" — their checks, that is. The neighborhood restaurant chain has joined forces with the National Pediatric Cancer Foundation, which is also headquartered locally, to gather donations from its 62 locations nationwide in support of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.
Now through September, patrons who order a meal from Metro Diner are given the opportunity to round their checks to the nearest dollar in increments of $1, $2 and $5. They may also contribute a custom amount to the foundation.
"We are proud to partner with National Pediatric Cancer Foundation on their mission to eliminate childhood cancer," said Crafton Bryant, director of marketing for Metro Diner, in a statement. "As a place where the locals eat, we truly care about the families and children we serve and invite our guests to join us in raising awareness and funding for this remarkable organization."
National Pediatric Cancer Foundation CEO David Frazer added: "The team at Metro Diner not only serves amazing comfort food, but they are also providing comfort to children fighting cancer. We are proud to partner with Metro Diner to raise awareness and funds for pediatric cancer research, and we appreciate and thank the Metro Diner customers for donating at their local diner."
Putting a creative spin on diner favorites, Metro Diner operates locations in St. Petersburg and South Tampa (not to mention two more in Sarasota). The chain — well, as its known today — started in Jacksonville almost 20 years ago.
This article appears in Aug 23-30, 2018.