Cafe Rio Donates Nearly $10k at Grand Opening

Cafe Rio Mexican Grill opened their doors Wednesday to the public and immediately made an impact in the community.

 Chief executive officer for the cafe, Dave Gagner presented checks to the Prince William County Public School District and Hope for the Warriors— a wounded warriors charity foundation—at a ribbon cutting ceremony Wednesday.

Checks in the amount of $2,500 each were donated to the groups on behalf of the restaurant. The check presentations were planned for the ceremony, but Gagner was hiding a secret.

"The combination of our 'free day' at our Olney location and earnings from people ordering burritos...we have an additional $4,700 for Hope for the Warriors as well," Gagner told the crowd.

The restaurant's Maryland location was the first to open on the East Coast back in April; Manassas is the second. Every time a customer orders a burrito 'Cafe Rio-style' the company donates 25 cents to the charity; and the burrito upgrade grants the customer with melted cheese and choice of a variety of house sauces smothered on top.

Gagner had one more announcement to benefit wounded warriors at the ribbon cutting:

"Next Thursday [July 21], we will be catering 300-400 wounded warriors and their families at Walter Reed Medical Facility, and we're really looking forward to that."

Then, with over-sized wooden scissors, wounded warrior Staff Sergeant John Masters cut the red ribbon and it was official. Another wounded warrior who lost his arm in the line of duty, Corporal Manny Jimenez also helped out with the big day by assisting staff on the food line.

Along with all the generous donations, Cafe Rio is also boosting the unemployment rate by adding new jobs in the community.

"This store will hire between 40-60 people. As the market develops, we'll hire area coaches, store managers and trainees," Chief Marketing Officer for Cafe Rio Ben Craner said.