Restaurant Neighbor Award: 2007 Finalist
California
Mimi's Cafe
Mimi's Cafe has a five-point system to give back to the schools in its community, a natural fit for this family-focused restaurant chain. Mimi's recognizes students who demonstrate excellence inside and outside the classroom with certificates of achievement, which entitle them to free kid's meals. The restaurant's Write Stuff essay contest gives students the chance to win a $1,000 savings bond for writing about what they're thankful for during the Thanksgiving season. In addition, Mimi's also donates muffins for special events; provides tours of its restaurants and lessons on dining etiquette, food safety and healthy eating; and offers gift certificates to students who complete Southern California's "Kid Healthy" Steps for Healthy Living campaign. It has distributed more than 10 million certificates of achievement, including 1.5 million in 2006.
