Five Scranton restaurants in the running for a grant

May 4—With $10,000, Tony Camacho could pay his gas bill at El Buen Amigo in North Scranton and make repairs in the restaurant.

Christian Pilosi, owner of Eden-A Vegan Cafe on Adams Avenue, would use the money to buy new equipment, including a new double door commercial refrigerator.

And Paul Blackledge, co-owner of POSH at The Scranton Club, would continue to pay his employees and utilities and upgrade his restaurant on North Washington Avenue in Scranton.

The restaurants are three of five in the running for $10,000 from Lackawanna College's final dinner service through its Rally for Restaurants program, which began in September. The 16th Ward on Penn Avenue and Bar Pazzo on North Washington Avenue were also selected as finalists by a committee from the college.

"We're very excited about the opportunity," said Blackledge. "We would be very grateful."

Metz Culinary Management, Lackawanna College's onsite foodservice provider, is hosting the final Rally for Restaurants dinner service Thursday featuring Ruth's Chris Steakhouse, a franchise operated by Metz. Community members can vote online at www.lackawanna.edu/rally through Thursday for which of the five Scranton eateries will receive all the proceeds from the event.

"Our commitment to raising money for those in need locally is part of who we are as an organization and we are proud to support this worthy cause," said Jeff Metz, president and CEO of Metz Culinary Management.

Restaurants submitted videos to Lackawanna to be considered to be in the running.

For 16th Ward Chef Kyle Gilboy, a graduate of the Lackawanna College culinary program, the past year has been tough. He said it's an honor to be in the running for the funding.

The grant would help the restaurant keep its doors open, continue to employ Lackawanna College graduates and provide externships for culinary students, he said. It would also help the restaurant continue purchasing from local vendors, including the summer Co-op Farmer's Market in Scranton.

"I can't do that if we're not in business," he said.

Bar Pazzo, which opened five years ago, would use the money to continue being one of Scranton's finest downtown eateries, the executive chef said.

"Money such as this will ensure that we will continue to not only take care of our employees and keep our lights on but we will ensure the longevity of our dreams and goals," said John Tabone, Bar Pazzo executive chef/partner, in his restaurant's video.

Lackawanna College suspended dining at its student-run restaurant, 409 on Adams, during the pandemic and began the Rally for Restaurants program in the fall.

The institution offered up their space in exchange for city chefs to teach culinary students. The college provided its outdoor patio and heated tents with capacity to seat 100 customers, as well as its kitchens and supplies — including food and beverages — to the local restaurants at no cost. Proceeds from the dinner services went directly to the restaurants. Gratuities, which were added automatically, went to scholarships for culinary students.

The initiative raised around $50,000 for restaurants and over $12,000 for student scholarships.

"Rally for Restaurants exemplifies the college's commitment to bettering the communities we serve, namely in this case, our restaurant community," said Stephanie Decker, Lackawanna College associate vice president of social and economic impact. "Thanks to the generosity of Metz Culinary Management and Ruth's Chris Steakhouse, our rally finale event will deliver on that promise in a big way."

To reserve a seat for Thursday's dinner, visit www.lackawanna.edu/rally-for-restaurants.

Contact the writer: kbolus@timesshamrock.com; 570-348-9100 x5114; @kbolusTT on Twitter