Save Mart Pilots Restaurant Pop-Up Program

As the number of new COVID cases continue to rise, many restaurants across the country have been asked to further curtail business at a time when they are already struggling. In response to the severe impact of the pandemic on locally owned and operated restaurants, The Save Mart Cos. has developed an innovative guest chef program to support struggling local restaurateurs.

Save Mart will test drive the new program at its The Tipping Point restaurant inside its flagship store in Modesto, Calif., on Nov. 7 and Nov. 8 from 8 a.m. to noon.

The Tipping Point will be turned over to one of Modesto’s most popular restaurants, Surla’s, and its much-loved chef, John Surla. Surla’s pop-up brunch menu will feature three fan favorites, including Stuffed French Toast ($10), Eggs Benedict ($12) and Steak and Eggs ($15)—all served with country-style potatoes and fresh fruit. One hundred percent of the sales from the brunch will go directly to the restaurant (less alcohol).

“Our intent with this pilot program is consistent with our evergreen focus on the local communities we serve and we’ve extended that approach to neighborhood restaurants impacted by the pandemic,” said Hal Levitt, SVP of retail operations, in a statement. “We developed a program to assist local chefs and their restaurants, at the same time, our guests can enjoy some of their favorite dishes, discover new ones and share in helping our local restaurants.”

“This Save Mart pilot program means the world to my staff and me, and we can’t thank Save Mart enough,” said Surla.  “It will help us financially, keep our staff employed, and keep us busy while we get to share our culinary creations and flavors with more people.”

The Save Mart Cos., which operates 206 stores throughout California and Northern Nevada under the banners of Save Mart, Lucky, Lucky California and FoodMaxx, said it will be announcing additional restaurant participants in the coming weeks.