Representatives of the private restaurant established a partnership with McKinney-based Hugs Cafe. As a result, the restaurant opens to the public weekly on Mondays and offers lunch served by Hugs Cafe.
The overview
The Rook features live music, standup comedy, guest chefs, cooking classes, and wine and whiskey tastings. This membership-only restaurant also partners with local musicians and organizations. The Rook is sponsored in part by Burress law firm and is a project of Burress Injury Law firm founder Jason Burress and his wife, Cristina.
The Rook offers various membership levels, and members are required to be 22 years old or older. More information about the different levels of membership can be found on the business’s website.
“[The Rook] offer[s] something a little different for more of an intimate environment for members,” co-owner Cristina Burress said.
The details
Hugs Cafe is a nonprofit restaurant that provides training and employment for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Operations Coordinator Tiffany Fontaine said the partnership with The Rook has allowed the organization to hire eight additional adults, while also attracting more visitors to The Rook.
The partnership also enables community members access to Hugs Cafe food items on a day the downtown cafe is typically closed. While serving lunch at The Rook each Monday, Hugs Cafe offers a limited menu consisting of two salads and three sandwiches.
“I love making the salads and looking forward to growing my skills here,” Hugs Cafe employee Lydia Stufflebean said.
Quote of note
“We focus on their ability, not their disability, so everyone's job is crafted towards what they can bring to the table,” Fontaine says.
- Opened in late May
- 6952 Mediterranean Drive, McKinney
- www.therookmckinney.com
