Grand Opening of Newest Wildflower in Gilbert Raises $7,000 for Nonprofits
By Lynette Carrington
Wildflower recently debuted its 15th Arizona location in Gilbert, providing a community giving component as well as a sneak peek at the restaurant’s refreshed concept.
Previously known as Wildflower Bread Company, the locally-based chain is evolving — shifting its focus from just bread and now offering wine and local beer selections.
With a welcoming, casual atmosphere and a “Grab Your Own Beverage Bar” (GYOB) with lemonades and natural fruit beverages, the new location imparts a comfortable and inviting atmosphere that caters to families or those looking for healthy eating alternatives. Wildflower’s bread is still as front and center as ever and is baked fresh at each location daily.
Founded in 1996, the Wildflower Cares Foundation helps local organizations through volunteerism, events, fundraising and giving.
“We have four pillars of giving,” said Wildflower founder, president and CEO Louis Basile. “Those revolve around education, hunger, women’s empowerment and animal advocacy.”
The area of food insecurity especially receives a strong focus from the company.
“Hunger is a shame in this country and one in five children in Arizona go to bed food insecure,” said Basile.
Wildflower sponsors a school breakfast for the entire year for Loyola Academy for underprivileged students in Phoenix and has also donated more than $4 million dollars of bread to shelters since 2003.
Additionally, Wildflower supports Share Our Strength and No Kid Hungry, among many other worthwhile organizations. Basile stated that one-third of Wildflower proceeds go right back into community giving.
On the opening Saturday of the new Wildflower just north of the 202 and Gilbert Road, guests were invited to donate $15 per adult meal and $5 per child meal to support St. Vincent de Paul. All donations went directly to the local organization.
Arizona Friends for Life Animal Rescue and St. Mary’s Food Bank also had a designated day of receiving donations during the opening days at the restaurant. In total $7,000 was raised.
wildflowerbread.com
