Detroit City Wire

In this edition of “Ask the Board,” Ron Lou, Founder of the Angry Crab Shack, shares his insights on building a charitable small business that emphasizes giving back to communities.

"The benefits of charitable contributions for your small business are endless. They help create brand awareness, improve employee retention, and ultimately lead to greater profits," Lou states. Here are several ways to incorporate these benefits into your organization.

Partnering with community organizations is essential. "It is important to have more than a financial relationship with your community partners," Lou advises. He suggests focusing on organizations that resonate with both employees and guests. For example, the Angry Crab Shack partners with Phoenix Children’s Hospital to support families during hospital stays.

Including customers in charitable efforts can also be beneficial. "If you give back to your community, it’s your job to make it easy for your guests to get involved," Lou explains. The restaurant has created promotions like Phoenix Children’s Fries and the You Dine We Donate campaign. Each time a guest purchases Phoenix Children’s Fries, a portion of the sale goes to Phoenix Children’s Hospital. The annual You Dine We Donate campaign raises money from each guest who dines at any location and benefits the Arizona Housing Coalition.

Understanding and participating in partner organizations' activities is crucial. "Remember, you are in a partnership with these organizations," Lou notes. He recommends arranging tours for employees and encouraging them to volunteer at events.

Informing employees about accomplishments is another key strategy. "Whether it’s hitting a milestone donation or sharing stories about how your company has made an impact, tell your employees," says Lou. This can boost morale and help employees see their work as more than just a paycheck.