Nestled in the heart of Arizona, Mesquite Fresh Street Mex isn’t just a restaurant — it’s a vibrant hub of community support and social responsibility. From its humble beginnings, Mesquite Fresh has embraced a mission to give back, forming meaningful partnerships with local organizations to uplift those in need and cultivate a culture of compassion.
Central to Mesquite Fresh’s philanthropic ethos is its personal connection with the Susan G. Komen Foundation. When one of its own employees, Tolano, bravely confronted breast cancer, Mesquite Fresh stood in solidarity, offering unwavering support throughout her journey. Tolano’s courage and resilience served as a catalyst for action within the Mesquite Fresh family, sparking a commitment to raise awareness and funds for breast cancer research and support services. Tolano’s sentiment echoes the sentiments of many within the community, “Being a first-generation immigrant from Mexico, I would not expect the type of help they have given to me. My goal now is to spread awareness to younger women to get checked, because early diagnosis is extremely important.” Mesquite Fresh’s steadfast dedication to Tolano’s cause exemplifies its unwavering support for its employees and the broader community.
Moreover, Mesquite Fresh has fostered impactful partnerships with organizations like the American Red Cross, addressing critical societal needs such as blood shortages. In response to dwindling blood donations, Mesquite Fresh launched a creative initiative offering complimentary tacos as an incentive for donors. This initiative not only encourages community members to contribute to a vital cause but also underscores Mesquite Fresh’s innovative approach to community engagement. Jason Benedict, regional blood donor executive at the American Red Cross, emphasizes the importance of such initiatives as he states, “Right now, the American Red Cross is experiencing an all-time low in signups for blood donations. We encourage everyone to make an appointment and help those in need of blood.”
Mesquite Fresh also extends its support to foster children through initiatives like Toys for Tacos, in collaboration with The Foster Alliance. This holiday gift donation drive aims to bring joy to every foster child in Arizona, demonstrating Mesquite Fresh’s commitment to uplifting the most vulnerable members of society. Bethany Eggleston, vice president of development and marketing for The Foster Alliance, expresses gratitude for the community’s support: “Toy drives are an opportunity for the community to join us as foster allies. Providing presents for every foster child in Arizona is a lofty goal, but it’s possible if we work together as a community.”
Beyond individual initiatives, Mesquite Fresh’s dedication to social responsibility is ingrained in its corporate culture, inspiring both employees and patrons to join hands in creating a brighter future for all. With each act of kindness, Mesquite Fresh exemplifies the transformative power of compassion, illustrating that businesses can indeed be a force for positive change in their communities.
In the bustling landscape of corporate entities, Mesquite Fresh shines not just for its flavorful cuisine but also for its unwavering commitment to social impact. Tolano’s journey serves as a poignant reminder that every act of kindness, no matter how small, has the potential to make a profound difference in someone’s life. Mesquite Fresh invites us all to savor not only the flavors of its cuisine but also the spirit of community, reminding us that, together, we can create a world where compassion and generosity thrive.
As Mesquite Fresh Street Mex continues to expand, its commitment to community service remains steadfast. Ahmad Alatrash, co-founder of Mesquite Fresh, emphasizes the importance of serving as an active participant in the community. He shares, “Serving our community is integral to Mesquite’s ethos, and, as our brand grows, we are dedicated to scaling our charitable efforts to support those in need wherever we operate. Giving back is at the core of Mesquite’s values, and we are committed to upholding this principle in the future.”
Expanding on Mesquite Fresh’s dedication to community welfare, the restaurant recently introduced an innovative initiative aimed at supporting local schools. Partnering with neighboring educational institutions, Mesquite Fresh launched a fundraising campaign wherein a percentage of sales from designated menu items would be donated to school programs. This initiative not only provides financial assistance to schools but also fosters stronger ties between Mesquite Fresh and the surrounding community. Mesquite Fresh believes that investing in education is paramount to nurturing future generations and ensuring the prosperity of the community as a whole.
Mesquite Fresh has expanded its outreach efforts to include environmental sustainability initiatives. Recognizing the importance of protecting the planet for future generations, Mesquite Fresh has implemented eco-friendly practices such as reducing plastic waste, sourcing locally grown produce and supporting renewable energy initiatives. By prioritizing sustainability, Mesquite Fresh demonstrates its commitment to preserving the environment and promoting responsible stewardship of natural resources. Through these initiatives, Mesquite Fresh strives to inspire other businesses to embrace sustainability practices and contribute to a greener, more sustainable future for all.
Give Blood. Find a Drive.
Every day, blood donors make a life-saving impact on patients of all ages, from accident victims to those battling cancer. With someone in the U.S. needing blood every two seconds, your donation can be the support someone desperately needs. A single donation can help multiple people in need. Find a blood drive near you today and help save lives. Visit Red Cross Blood Drive Locator to find a drive and make a difference. Visit www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/find-drive
Tyler Butler is a chief social impact officer for a publicly traded corporate portfolio where she leads programs that positively impact humanity. She is also the founder of 11Eleven Consulting, and she is often cited as a subject matter expert by Forbes, SHRM, Entrepreneur, U.S. News & World Report and more.
Photo courtesy of Mesquite Fresh Street Mex
