EDMONDS, Wash. — Steven Ono owns Ono Poke in Edmonds. He posted a message on the business Facebook page after learning Seattle chef Tom Douglas was closing 12 of his restaurants.
”It was just one of those things that if I could help that’s what I was going to do,” Ono said.
Ono said he plans to hire one or two laid off restaurant workers who want to learn how to cut fish and make poke. Ono said he can also hire a cashier or general kitchen worker.
He asks anyone interested in either of the positions to email the restaurant.
On top of that, Ono said his restaurant has always offered free in-house kids veggie bowls. He’ll continue that offer.
“We need to do something, we all need to do something,” Ono said.
Neighbors all over western Washington are stepping up to help.
Hashtags are popping up online connecting people with do-gooders in the community.
The hashtag #forthekids is helping families find restaurants in Edmonds that are providing free meals for kids.
The hashtag #wegotthisseattle is bringing together people.
Many are reaching out to help those in need, offering to buy groceries for those who can’t leave their homes, and joining grassroots efforts for food and supply drop-offs in the area.
KING 5 will continue to tell the stories of Neighbors helping Neighbors. If you know someone who is going above and beyond to help others at this time, please email us at newstips@king5.com.