(L to R) Freddy Money of Atlas, John Benhase of Starland Yard, Billy Kramer of NFA Burger and George Motz of Hamburger America.Running a restaurant has never been easy.
Independent operators face rising costs, tight margins, staffing challenges, and countless demands on their time and resources. Yet even in the midst of those realities, many restaurant owners continue looking for ways to support the communities around them.
Few exemplify that better than Billy Kramer, owner and operator of NFA Burger in Dunwoody and Avalon.
For years, Billy has been a dedicated Giving Kitchen partner, finding creative ways to support food service workers in crisis while keeping his business healthy and growing. His approach offers a powerful example for operators who want to give back without taking on additional financial strain.
Building Support into the Business
Billy’s commitment to supporting Giving Kitchen’s mission goes beyond simply displaying information about the nonprofit’s programs. He has consistently made sure his teams know that help is available if they ever need it, while also helping spread awareness through back-of-house posters and guest-facing initiatives.
One of his most successful ideas was the Giving Kitchen Burger.
By adding $4 to the cost of a specialty burger and directing that amount to Giving Kitchen, Billy created an opportunity for guests to support food service workers with every purchase. Customers embraced the concept, proving that many diners are eager to support causes they believe in when given a simple way to participate.
For the past three years, Billy has also hosted Burger Benefit, a parking lot event at NFA Burger’s original Dunwoody location featuring renowned chefs from around the country. Through sponsorships, ticket sales, and community support, the event has generated significant funding for Giving Kitchen while bringing the industry together around a shared cause.
“If we want the future of the restaurant industry to be people-driven, then we must make sure the people who choose this industry never have to face their toughest moments alone.”
Collectively, Billy’s efforts have contributed almost $100,000 to support food service workers facing crises. Supporters is a nonprofit organization that provides emergency assistance to food service workers through financial support and a network of community resources. Their goal is to create a food service community in which crises are met with compassion and care.
Billy Kramer of NFA Burger with Jen Hidinger-Kendrick of Giving KitchenA Sustainable Model for Giving
At Giving Kitchen, we understand that restaurant operators are often among the first people asked to support charitable causes.
The food and beverage industry serves as the backbone of countless community initiatives, and those requests can quickly add up. That’s why we are especially grateful for partners like Billy, who have found ways to integrate giving into their business model rather than relying solely on direct donations.
His approach allows guests to participate in supporting food service workers while helping ensure that charitable giving remains sustainable for the business itself.
It’s a reminder that supporting the industry doesn’t always require writing a large check. Sometimes it starts with creating opportunities for your customers and community to join the effort.
Aidan KramerLooking Ahead
As NFA Burger continues to grow, Billy’s approach has evolved.
With a second location now open and plans for future expansion, the time-intensive planning required for events like Burger Benefit has become more challenging. Instead of stepping away from supporting Giving Kitchen, he found a new way forward.
Today, NFA Burger has incorporated Giving Kitchen support directly into its everyday operations. By adding just $0.25 to every burger sold and $0.50 to every bottle of NFA water purchased, Billy has created a simple, scalable fundraising model across both locations.
The projected impact is remarkable: annual donations in the five- to six-figure range that will continue helping food service workers access emergency assistance and critical resources when they need them most.
Small Changes, Big Impact
Billy often jokes that he’s serving burgers out of a gas station. But his story demonstrates something much bigger.
One operator. One idea. One commitment to supporting the people who make our industry run.
Whether it’s a dedicated menu item, a round-up campaign, a special event, or a small contribution built into everyday transactions, there are countless ways restaurants can support food service workers while maintaining healthy businesses.
Billy’s partnership proves that when operators find sustainable ways to give back, the impact can extend far beyond their four walls.
And for thousands of food service workers facing unexpected hardship, that impact can be life-changing.
