QSR Franchises Rally to Provide Aid and Meals to Communities Devastated by Hurricane Helene

In response to the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene, major restaurant brands have stepped up to provide support, supplies and meals to affected communities in the Southern U.S. The hurricane, which hit Florida on September 27 and caused widespread destruction as it moved north, left over 220 people dead and caused an estimated $30.5 to $47.5 billion in property damage. Federal aid has begun to flow, but several fast-food franchises have also taken steps to assist in the recovery efforts.

Bojangles, headquartered in North Carolina, donated $25,000 to the American Red Cross, sent two truckloads of bottled water, and pledged 10% of sales from a limited-time dessert to further fund relief efforts. Chick-fil-A is matching customer donations up to $500,000, donated bottled water and deployed food trucks to hard-hit areas to serve free meals. Denny’s brought its Mobile Relief Diner to North Carolina, serving thousands of hot breakfasts to storm survivors and first responders. Domino’s also sent a food truck to provide pizzas to communities in need in Asheville, North Carolina.

McDonald’s has contributed $1 million to the Red Cross and Team Rubicon, and is offering employee relief funds while providing hot meals through its McRig truck. The chain is also partnering with suppliers to ensure restaurants in storm-hit areas are stocked and ready to serve as they reopen.