Rock Hill Restaurant Raises the Bar for Community Support Post-Hurricane Helene
In beautiful Rock Hill, South Carolina, a local restaurant is stepping up in a big way to help those impacted by the recent devastation caused by Hurricane Helene. This storm has left over a million people in the Carolinas without power, and amid the chaos, the well-known eatery, Kounter, has shifted its focus to assist linemen from Duke Energy who are working tirelessly to restore electricity.
Putting Community First
Out of a deep sense of duty and compassion, Kounter has temporarily closed its doors to regular customers to concentrate solely on feeding the crews on the front lines of the restoration efforts. Led by Chef Rob Masone, Kounter’s team is cranking out an impressive 600 to 800 meals each day at Duke Energy’s training facility in nearby Kings Mountain.
Chef Masone shared the inspiration behind this remarkable initiative, stating, “We got a phone call and prayed about it, and it just felt like we needed to put our talents to use.” His humble approach exemplifies the spirit of community that Rock Hill is known for. “We’re going to go do some of the things that we do well for some of the folks that are dealing with a lot of things that none of us want to imagine,” he added.
The Power of Partnership
This ambitious effort could not be accomplished without the generous support of US Foods, which has stepped in to cover refrigeration costs and help with logistics. Masone expressed his gratitude for their involvement, saying, “We have a good relationship with US Foods here in Rock Hill…. US Foods reached out and said, ‘How can we help out? How can we get involved?’” It’s heartwarming to see local organizations rallying together in such critical times.
Meals that Matter
The meals being prepared for the linemen include a variety of delicious dishes, such as pork, chicken, and beef. Each morning, linemen receive hot breakfasts and cold lunches packed to sustain them during long days in the field. When they finally wrap up their arduous work, the team at Kounter serves dinner to welcome them back, helping create a sense of normalcy amid the madness.
“We’re trying to create a little sense of normalcy for them when they get back up,” Masone shared, acknowledging the physical and emotional toll the work takes on the crew. “It’s got to be, it’s not just physically taxing for them. I mean, they’re just working hard.” His words reflect an understanding that while the work is physically demanding, the mental challenges can be just as tough.
A Continuous Effort
The dedication of Kounter’s staff has been inspiring, with the whole team working around the clock to ensure that the linemen are well-fed. “We’re producing all day, all night. We’re shipping, moving things back and forth from Rock Hill, South Carolina, to Kings Mountain every few hours,” Masone explained. “My team has showed up, and we’re working on very little sleep.” The camaraderie and determination are palpable as they tackle this big ask together.
Looking to the Future
While Kounter’s doors remain closed for the time being, the restaurant’s spirit of community service continues to shine bright. Masone remains focused on one primary goal: “My job is to make sure these guys get fed, and they have a good meal.” If you’re interested in jumping in to help, Kounter is welcoming volunteers and you can reach out via email at hello@kre8events.com.
Join in the Effort
If you’re in the Rock Hill area, consider stopping by to support this incredible team at Kounter. Their address is 135 E Main Street, Suite 101, Rock Hill, SC 29730, and they’re ready to serve with heart and passion when the time is right!
