Here at Simply Food Trucks, we love supporting a good cause as much as we do good food. So when we got the call to cater an event hosted by Tyler Perry, we jumped! BBQ in Blue was hosted by Perry along with Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens at Tyler Perry Studios to thank and show appreciation for Atlanta’s police department.
Like so many police departments across the country (and most every business for that matter), they have been challenged to retain existing and hire new staff. A recent Police Executive Research Forum study found that low morale, department scrutiny, and pandemic concerns contribute to declining staff rates. Currently, the Atlanta Police Department is down 25%. Perry’s message to Atlanta Police?
“We need you; the city needs you.”
And this event was Perry’s way of giving back to his community and showing appreciation for its very hard-working police. The day started at noon and featured seven of Atlanta’s popular food trucks, including:
C-Bo’s BBQ & Southern Cuisine serving up Pulled Pork or Chicken Sandwich, Ribs, Sausage, or Veggie Burger.
Parlay Savory Saloon offering their famous Love Plates, which include a choice of protein and two sides.
Soul Truckin’ Good serving their famous wings and loaded nachos
Lady and the Beastt BBQ dishing up brisket, pulled pork or chicken, and stuffed smoked turkey legs
The Patty Wagon grilling beef, turkey, or veggie burgers with all the fixins
GasFoodTRuckATL Alt offering vegan-friendly fare, including vegan burgers, tacos, and other culinary delights made with Beyond Meat
Sweet Jeanius Bakery baking treats including Strawberry Shortcake, Old Fashioned Lemon Cake, and Brownie Turtle Sundaes.
Not As Famous Cookie Co sampling a variety of flavors, including Red Velvet, Snickerdoodle, Peanut Butter, Double Chocolate, and Butter Pecan
And providing beverages and top bar talent for the day was mobile bar service, Raising the Bar.
Music and entertainment were provided by Ronnie Garrett and Simply Irresistible.
Turn on the news these past several months, and you may have heard something about all-time historic low unemployment rates or a new trend dubbed the Great Resignation. As a result, employers everywhere are struggling to retain their current staff. And older employees are increasingly opting for early retirement, leaving HR teams struggling to find suitable replacements.
While employee appreciation events used to be a once or twice yearly activity to thank team members, these events have now become central to HR’s strategies to retain their staff. The best employee retention programs focus on recognition, which is why employee appreciation events are crucial to keeping staff. According to Forbes magazine, companies who actively work towards a recognition-rich culture had a 31% lower employee turnover rate. And The Boston
Consulting Group found the two top reasons for job happiness are “appreciation for your work” and “good relationships with colleagues.”
The team at Simply Food Trucks was so grateful for the opportunity to be involved in this wonderful event appreciating Atlanta police officers and their families. The day was so positive and uplifting, featuring live entertainment and fabulous food. We’re grateful to Tyler Perry for giving so much back to a community that has felt so underappreciated.
