Black Lives Matter

Black Lives Matter Mural at our Downtown Raleigh location by local artist Bobby Danger @dangerartworks. Photo by Karen Ashley. More photos below. Big thanks to Raleigh Murals Project for your help in organizing!

OUR POSITION

H+H Family,

The countless Black Lives lost to inhumane acts of police brutality cannot continue. We are sickened and deeply saddened by the constant state of violence against the Black Community and the systemic racism in America that is the root cause of these issues. Enough is enough. 

Happy + Hale stands in solidarity with our Black Team Members, our Black Guests, and the Black Community. We see you, we hear you, and we promise to stand beside you, with you, for you. We will use the Happy + Hale platform to help bring justice, combat systemic racism, create change, and become proud ally. The time is now.

Kindness, equality, and inclusion have always been part of our culture and we want our actions as a business to be in community and conversation with those advocating for change we need in this country. We are committed to doing the work ahead and are inspired by many of those in our community who are using their voices and making the change. We are taking this time to listen, learn, and to create space to honor and acknowledge the lives lost and amplify the voices that need to be heard.

We are taking action from the inside out and are in this for the long haul. We will be updating this post as we develop and deliver on meaningful action items as an organization..

Black Lives Matter. They always have and they always will. 

In Solidarity,

Team Happy + Hale

Before…

Bobby Danger @dangerousworks

After!

#HappyPeople: Erick and Hannah Hodges (Valentine’s Edition)

#HappyPeople is a series dedicated to the humans who make Happy + Hale special. Today we’re introducing you to Erick and Hannah. Hannah is a manager at our North Hills location and Erick is the General Manager of our Downtown store. Erick and Hannah show us how much they love each other through all the hard work and joy they put into their relationship. They both are passionate about what they do at Happy + Hale. We are incredibly lucky to have this power couple in our Happy + Hale family. Happy Valentine’s Day!

How long have you been married? 

We have been married for just about 2 1/2 years, together for 4.

What is your family’s “why”?

I think our why is defined up by a bunch of smaller parts, but at the end of the day can best be summarized by the goal of making a positive impact in the lives of those we meet. Whether we only ever meet you once or you become a part of our family, we want to make an impact for the better. We also want to create a safe haven in a world of toxic trends. While we don’t have our own kids yet, we do have lots of children. Former and current employees who we try and help support and nurture as they try and figure out this life. We want to make sure that our home is always a safe place and that no matter where life takes them, we have done everything we can to make them stronger people.

What is your family’s dream? 

We would love to own a restaurant empire. Cooking is a passion for both of us, and there are stories that can be told through good food. We want to share these stories and make people relive significant moments of memories when they take that first perfect bite. They say “a picture is worth a thousand words,” but we believe good food is worth more.

Erick, what 5 things you absolutely love about Hannah?

1. Her passion. She is one of the most passionate people I know when it comes to her interests and hobbies. 

2. Her drive. When she is determined or set a goal for herself, there is absolutely nothing you can do to discourage that.

3. Her nurturing heart. She is a caring person by nature and wants to make sure everyone feels safe.

4. Her willingness to try new things. I hate to just sit around soI'm always dragging her to do things, and she is always willing to give everything a chance.

5. She is the most beautiful person in the world. And not just on the outside. She has a true heart and that makes her absolutely amazing, I wouldn’t trade her for the world.

Hannah, what 5 things you adore about Erick? 

1. How kind-hearted he is.

2. That he can always make people feel at ease no matter what is going on.

3. His sense of humor.

4. His love for life and adventures (he always pushes me out of my comfort zone).

5. How committed and hard working he is. He is always striving to be better. 

“Being able to experience both the good times and the hard times with your best friend and knowing that in the hard times, you’re not alone.”

— Erick Hodges

How did Happy + Hale impact your family?

Happy and Hale has allowed us to enjoy being married and has greatly impacted our quality of life. Before we started working for this company, we were both working 70+ hours a week, never had days off together, and only saw each other while getting ready for bed. Happy and Hale has made work life balance a priority and indirectly made our marriage a priority to them as well. Its the little things like the Sunday morning coffee and playing with our fur baby as a family, day trips to the beach or mountains that we were missing out on that are now becoming a part of life again. Happy and Hale prioritizes people and has allowed us to do the same.

What do you think the best part of being married is? 

Having someone to help do the chores. Haha. I think this question is dependent on who you ask. For Hannah she says its definitely snuggles. But I think we can both agree that its having someone special to walk through this life with. Being able to experience both the good times and the hard times with your best friend and knowing that in the hard times, you’re not alone.

Your perfect date?

Again, I think this is dependent on who you ask. For Erick, sports followed up by more sports after dinner at one of our favorite down town restaurants. Our first date was to a hockey game and that’s when I knew she was the one. Now often times she’s the one who get more excitable at games. Hannah loves going to the farmers market and walking around smelling all the fresh produce and flowers followed by brunch or heading up to Ashville and hanging out at our favorite brewery. At the end of the day we can both agree that the context of the date doesn’t matter, it more about how you utilize the time you have together to build those memories and foundations as a family. It could be something as simple as grocery shopping. It what you take out of those little ‘dates’ as well that can make the most impact. Except for folding laundry. There is nothing fun in those little moments. We also love going to concerts, especially AJR. We have traveled as far as 12 hours to see them live and even planned our anniversary trip last year around seeing them play in new your. Its important to have something in common that you can do together.

What is your favorite food at H+H?

This is easy. For Hannah, Avocado Toast, no red pepper flakes (hates all things spicy), eggs scrambles, bread lightly toasted. For Erick, Definitely the Bida Bowl or the Bueno Bowl. 

#MYCYO: Alicia Belle of “Mega”

We are kicking off the new decade of Create-Your-Own Bowls with our friend, Alicia Belle. Alicia is the owner and founder of Mega, Raleigh’s first Lagree Fitness Studio and mini trampoline cardio studio. Lagree is a high-intensity, low-impact workout that stimulates your core strength, cardiovascular endurance, balance, and flexibility. Regardless of where you are on your fitness journey, Mega’s goal is to inspire and challenge you to move, sweat and even laugh—making every workout fun.

Alicia recently stopped by our North Hills location to show us her favorite CYO bowl she uses as fuel to lead these high-intensity workouts.

““To me, healthy eating means finding balance and applying this to my whole life. Instead of cutting out things, try just adding MORE. More veggies, more water, more fun workouts (a.k.a. Mega-tramp), more laughs, more QT with loved ones, more thank you’s, more exploring, and more forgiveness. I cook a lot at home, and do not eat a lot of meat. I always crave MORE veggies! And I always create MORE movement!””

— Alicia Belle

Alicia’s CYO Bowl

arugula, black lentils, cabbage slaw, cucumbers, spicy harissa, avocado, feta cheese, pita crunch, mint, herb yogurt dressing

#happypeople: Renee Holder

#HappyPeople is a series dedicated to the humans who make Happy + Hale special. Today we introduce you to Renee, a Crew Member at our North Hills location. She is a resilient, kind human, as well as an amazing mother. Renee has been with us since the North Hills store opened. You can find her helping you build your bowl or creating and prepping delicious food behind the scenes.

How did you get started at Happy + Hale?

I was working at the Cheesecake Factory, and the schedule wasn’t working very well for my life. I was working until 2 am in the morning. The former Kitchen Manager invited me to work for Happy + Hale, so I took the job. The schedule was much better for me, as it allowed me to be a good mom to my son (now 15). I have been at Happy + Hale for a year and a half, and I like working here; it is a good and happy place.

What is your biggest challenge in life?

My biggest challenge in life is to ensure my children’s own successes. I want to set them up to be good people, and to help them get a good job. I want them to be independent. I came from a place where I worked multiple jobs (sometimes 2 to 3). So, I want my children to have a different path—a career—so they have more stability in life.

“I believe your life is in your hands. You can make it good or you can make it bad. I want to have a good life”

— Renee

When are you the happiest? 

I am the happiest when I am with my children and grandchildren! I have 4 kids; twin girls (Te’onna, Ta’onna) who are now 22, a middle son (Darius) who is 20, and my youngest son (Marley) who is 15. When they tell me new, exciting and happy things in their lives it makes me more happy than anything.

What are you most proud of in your life?

Finding stability and a better foundation. I took some leadership classes, and I learned how to treat people and how I want to be treated. I learned a lot about customer service and it made me a better person. When a person comes through the door you don’t know what that person is going through.

What do you like most about yourself?

I am a nice, considerate person. I have a chill, positive energy with no negativity. Life is life, and you have what you make of it. I am just Renee — simply put I am Down to Earth. I like that about myself. I believe your life is in your hands. You can make it good or you can make it bad. I want to have a good life, and whenever I am gone I want people to have good memories of me. 

Do you have any dreams? 

I want to move to Arizona. I don’t know why, I just want to go there. I want to have a house with a picket fence and win the lottery. I want to help homeless women and children, and I want to work with elderly people.

It has been quite a journey for me. I used to be in a bad space. I was one of those people that needed help. I had 3 children by the time I was 19 years old. I was homeless, and my children weren’t with me because I couldn’t take care of them. I was going down the wrong road. Then, I met my youngest son's father, and I got pregnant again. I decided then that I was going to be the best person I can be from this point forward. These experiences help me to connect with people. Now, I can be patient and kind when I am dealing with people from all walks of life. I can relate to them. I had to go through that journey to be the human I am today. There are so many women and children going through a rough time and have no one to help them. I want to help them. I want to pass this on to my children so they continue living happy and helping people. Do right by others and God will take care of you.

What is your superpower? 

I feel the energy of people. 

What is your favorite menu item at Happy + Hale? 

The Bida Bowl—just the way it is. Though, I sometimes add a little onion and garlic.

Poole'side Salad for NextStep Raleigh

Karen Thor (Executive Director, Next Step Raleigh) and Tyler Helikson (Co-Founder/CEO, Happy +Hale)

The most fulfilling aspect of what we do is partnering with a community of like-minded individuals in building a culture of belonging. We are grateful for the opportunity to partner with Ashley Christensen and Poole’side Pies in support of the incredible work of NextStep Raleigh. A special thank you to our partners at Reinhart Food Service and Toast POS for joining in contribution. Lastly, a sincere thank you to Karen Thor - mother to Michael Thor and Executive Director of NextStep Raleigh. Your passion and dedication to this cause is nothing short of inspirational and we could not be more proud to know you and call you a friend.

From Karen:

"All of the funds will either be used to purchase additional equipment for our clients or towards our scholarship fund. What we are working to get funding for right now is a LiteGait gait trainer with the corresponding treadmill.  This is a harness system that allows us to help people "walk" without putting all their weight on their legs.  With repeated training, they can sometimes recover the ability to walk or at least get some movement back in their legs. The rest of the money will fund our scholarships.  We charge $100/hr, none of which is covered by insurance or medicare/medicaid (which is ridiculous).  We can contribute up to 50% of that amount from our scholarship fund.  Our scholarship fund is very limited at this point because we haven't raised much yet (being in business only 1 year).  We also have submitted several other grant requests for scholarship money.  So for every $100 raised for us that we don't use to purchase equipment, we can give 2 hours of rehab training at half price.  Believe me when I tell you that makes a world of difference to many of the people who come here."

Next Step Raleigh director of training Arlene Peters, left, and activity based trainer David Wright, right, work with Mike Thor to stand up and take steps during one of his therapy sessions at Next Step Raleigh on Dec. 6, 2018. Thor is determined to walk again and pushes himself through multiple therapy sessions a week. Juli Leonard JLEONARD@NEWSOBSERVER.COM

Read more here: https://www.newsobserver.com/living/article235204167.html#storylink=cpy

#happypeople: veterans day edition

#HappyPeople is a series dedicated to the humans who make Happy + Hale special. Today we honor the service members on our team who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. Please meet Corporate Executive Chef, Justin Venezia (Army) and Restaurant Team Member, Lane Foell (Air Force). We caught up with Justin and Lane at our North Hills location.

What motivated you to join the military? 

Justin: I joined right after high school. I was not going to college at the time and needed to  "straighten up."

Lane: I was seeking an alternative to college and wanted to gain worldly experience.

What was your primary job after training?

J: 94 bravo Food Service Specialist

L: I was a Staff Weather Officer, or a SWO. We are trained to forecast weather amidst battlefield conditions.

Where did you serve during your time?

J: Fort Jackson SC, Fort Lee VA and Giebelstadt Army Airfield, Germany 

L: I did my training in San Antonio, Texas and Biloxi, Mississippi. I was stationed in Tucson, AZ, Fayetteville, NC, and Erbil, Iraq.

Where there any special people you met during your service? 

J: I have several friends that I still keep in contact with over the past 20 years. I talk to my good friend Scott Allen at least 2 or 3 times a month and we have not seen each other since 1996. 

L: I met my best friends- brothers and sisters and mentors that I can depend on for a lifetime.

Lane Foell, Air Force

What has been your proudest moment in the military? 

Justin: I was an expert marksman with several weapons including the air M60 shooting out of a moving Blackhawk

Lane: My proudest moment was being awarded the Air Force Achievement Medal for volunteering to stay behind and man my weather station while maintaining my forecasting duties during a hurricane.

How did your military experience affect your life today? 

J: The military training and way of life has had a tremendous impact on my thinking to this day. Punctually, loyalty and dedication to every task has shaped my life for over 20 years.

L: The military has taught me lifelong skills, both practical and mental. The skills taught to me yesterday pave the way for an easier and more successful tomorrow.

What is your favorite memory from the time you served? 

J: Due to being stationed overseas for the majority of my enlistment I have a great deal of amazing memories and experiences. The best thing that happened to me during my military service was meeting my wife Natascha. We have been married over 20 years and have a great life with our son Rocco. 

L: It's hard to choose just one favorite memory. What I cherished the most was the inevitable bond you formed with random strangers that were going through all the tough times along with you.

#happypeople: Jeremy Lilly

#HappyPeople is a series dedicated to the humans who make Happy + Hale special. Today we introduce you to Jeremy Lilly, our Lead Kitchen Trainer and all-around great guy. Jeremy has been with us since 2016 and can be found in one of our kitchens coaching the team, preparing for the lunch rush, or attempting to tell a funny joke. Without further adieu….

We know you like to keep it light in the kitchen - tell us a joke! 

Why did Beethoven get rid of his chickens? Because all they said was Bach, Bach, Bach. (hehe)

What was your life like before starting at Happy + Hale? 

I grew up in Wilmington, North Carolina with my family. My parents got divorced when I was young and my mom left my siblings and me shortly thereafter. Later, I made some bad choices in life that led me to imprisonment and alcoholism.

What is your experience working for Happy + Hale?

Before I started working for Happy + Hale, I was released from jail and was already working full time. But, I wanted something more and I needed a part time job to stay busy. The place looked fresh and bright. I knew I wanted to work here. I had an interview with Tyler, and shortly after I became a line cook. I worked hard. I tried to learn everything I could in the kitchen from the Chef. I memorized most of the recipes. I wasn’t sure what life prepared for me career-wise—I didn't go to school for cooking. But, I believe that experiences like these are the best way for me to learn. After working hard, I was presented with the amazing opportunity to become a Kitchen Manager. I intuitively embraced this leadership role with help of the senior leaders around me. I used to ask myself: "when will I feel comfortable financially and be doing what I love?" I finally have both working at Happy + Hale. 

“My life doesn’t have any room for negativity. I am around people who are successful, and it helps me stay focused.”

— Jeremy Lilly

What are you most proud in your life? 

My friend died in 2010, and I couldn't really help him. So, last summer, when I found one of my friends had overdosed, I was able to save his life and give him another chance. 

Also, I volunteer at a local jail two days a week. I feel like people need to hear from other people, like me, that have made it out of similar circumstances. People who have made a successful life for themselves. Often, from an early age, people get locked into a vicious cycle, and it is hard to change that when you know life from only one angle. But, when they know someone who has been able to completely change their environment and the people they associate with, I believe it affects their choices. In the future, they can go a different way. I also believe when you make it out [of the system], it is only right to give it back to that community. I have a successful life today, but in the past I had felonies. I am not ashamed of my past. I had to go through hurt and pain before I was able to make a change. Now, I am sober. I don't drink or take drugs, because my life doesn’t have a room for alcohol or drugs. My life doesn't have any room for negativity. I am around people who are successful, and it helps me stay focused.

What does happy look like for you?

My "happy" is my sobriety, my spiritual growth, giving back to the community, and spending time with my son. 

What is the biggest challenge in life? 

I accept everything that comes my way. I try not to dwell on the difficulties that life brings me. I just want to accept it—the way life is. My challenge, though, is to be the best that I can be in the moment.

What is your favorite Happy + Hale bowl? 

The Chimichurri Steak Bowl or the Thai Chicken Crunch. And, I like the Almond Brothers Smoothie. 

If you were a superhero, what would your power be?

My power would be to bring people back that have passed away.

What is the best piece of advice you have received? 

The best piece of advice I received was actually from my grandmother years and years ago. She always said to me, “Honey I love you, no matter what you do. But, I hope you find God.” 

What is the funniest thing you have seen stranger do?

I saw a guy pop the fire hydrant open to take a shower in the middle street.

Chef Collaboration with Ashley Christensen & Poole'side Pies

Photo by Paul Mehaffey

We are excited to announce our next menu collaboration will be with James Beard Award winning Chef Ashley Christensen and soon-to-be-opened Poole’side Pies. The Poole’side Salad will launch in all locations on Thursday, May 16th and will feature arugula + shredded kale, charred squash, roasted tomatoes, marinated peas, smoked mozzarella, baked sopressata, tossed in a tomato and oregano vinaigrette, topped with toasted seeds and basil aioli. Enter to win a seat to the launch event with Ashley at Bridge Club on May 16th here. Learn more about the partnership here.