Fatz Cafe announced that, thanks to operating partner Bruce Dressler, the Irmo, South Carolina, restaurant has been named a finalist for the National Restaurant Association’s 2010 Restaurant Neighbor Award. Fatz Cafe is recognized by the National Restaurant Association through the Restaurant Neighbor Award program, honoring companies each year that have gone above and beyond in giving back to their communities.

“I have had the pleasure of working with many great leaders, and, without a doubt, Bruce is a very special leader; he truly has a servant’s heart for his staff, his guests, and his community,” says chief operating officer Richie Cannon.

Dressler introduced the idea of a Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser in 2009 with the specific purpose of making a difference and helping his local community grow in Irmo. Fatz Cafe opens daily at 11 a.m. serving lunch and dinner to regulars, but on Saturdays Dressler sets up the restaurant five hours early. He volunteers with organizations in his community, ranging from local schools to The United Way, transforming Fatz Cafe into a hot spot for hotcakes. Fatz Cafe values the opportunity to strengthen its surrounding community and strives to make every guest feel like a regular.

In April of 2009, Dressler and Fatz Cafe had the pleasure of helping one of its regulars by raising nearly $2,000 for a kidney transplant. Last year, Dressler partnered with a total of 17 organizations and raised more than $50,000, and he has made it his personal goal to raise even more in 2010.

Dressler’s efforts extend past his own community, and he is always wiling to share his success with others in the Fatz family. The Pancake Fundraiser he started in Irmo launched companywide this year, helping raise funds for various organizations in 46 other communities.