Eat Well – Do Good! Columbia Restaurant’s Community Harvest Program to Benefit Council on Aging in September 2024

Throughout September, members of the public can support Council on Aging’s work just by dining at the Columbia Restaurant in downtown St. Augustine, Florida, or at any of the locations of the 1905 Family of Restaurants.  Through their month-long Community Harvest program, now in its 27th year, the company donates 5 percent of all diners’ checks to charities selected by the guests.

Simply dine at the Columbia Restaurant and choose Council on Aging from a ballot provided with the check. The restaurant calculates the 5 percent and provides the charity with gift certificates that may be used at any of their associated restaurants for up to 12 months. There is no additional cost to the guest.

The Columbia Restaurant is located at 98 St. George Street in downtown St. Augustine. To view their menu and for reservations, visit www.columbiarestaurant.com/historic-district-st-augustine.

Now in its 27th year, the company’s month-long Community Harvest program has provided $4 million to Florida nonprofit organizations.

The original Columbia Restaurant was founded in Tampa’s Historic Ybor City in 1905 by Cuban immigrant Casimiro Hernandez, Sr., and is Florida’s oldest restaurant. All 1905 Family of Restaurants in Florida are participating in the Community Harvest program, including Columbia Restaurants in Ybor City Tampa, Sarasota, St. Augustine, Clearwater Beach, Celebration, downtown Tampa, and Tampa International Airport. Also participating are Ulele, Goody Goody, and Casa Santo Stefano restaurants in Tampa, as well as Cha Cha Coconuts restaurant in Sarasota.

 “As we look ahead to the Columbia’s 120th anniversary in 2025, I’m reminded that great restaurants are more than just places to eat; they’re part of the fabric of the community,” said 4th generation caretaker and president Richard Gonzmart. “I started this program to help many of the worthy non-profits so important to the people who live near our restaurants across Florida. The simple concept is to ‘Eat Well And Do Good.’ It’s a delicious way to help these organizations.”

“We are so thankful to the Columbia Restaurant for their continued support for our mission,” said COA executive director Becky Yanni. “Our generous partners in the community make it possible for us to be there for seniors and those who care for them.”