NEWS RELEASE
April 29, 2011
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contacts: Sarah Gaskill, Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce
919.664.7034 sgaskill@raleighchamber.org
Arthur Gordon, Irregardless Cafe & Catering
919-740-5412 jag@irregardless.com
Irregardless Cafe & Catering to be Honored by the Greater Raleigh Chamber at the Pinnacle Business Awards
The Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce has announced that the Irregardless Cafe and Catering will receive the Smith Seal of North Carolina Sustainable Business Award – Small Business Lifetime Sustainability Award - during the 27th anniversary celebration of the Pinnacle Business Awards on Tuesday, May 3. The reception and awards ceremony will be held from 5 – 8:45 pm at the Raleigh Convention Center.
Over 36 years ago, Arthur Gordon founded the Irregardless Cafe to serve healthy, eco-friendly vegetarian meals. Arthur was motivated to open the Irregardless by his desire to 'be of service' and to affect the social and moral values of Raleigh's culture. In 1985, the Cafe became the first non-smoking restaurant in North Carolina.
Arthur's dedication to using quality ingredients (which now also include seafood and all kinds of meats), and his perseverance positioned the Cafe to become the 'home-grown', authentic Raleigh experience it is today. Adding to his patron's dining pleasure, nightly performances by hundreds of talented local musicians have always been a feature.
In 1994, the Cafe experienced a devastating fire. By finding his inner strength, the Cafe was rebuilt bigger, better and professionally more efficient, and now incorporated a Catering Division. Arthur's most rewarding experience was the pleasure he received of being able to pay all of Irregardless employees during the rebuilding period. This enabled his staff to pay their bills and also support the community by volunteering.
The Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce will be presenting awards to some of the Triangle’s most successful business executives at this prestigious event. Both emerging companies and companies that have exhibited a substantial history as an established business will be recognized. Entrepreneurial businesses will receive awards for their staying power, business growth, community involvement, and innovation along with their steady growth and profitability during the past three years.
