MODESTO, CALIF. - The Save Mart Companies is launching a guest chef program to support struggling local restaurateurs during the pandemic. The program will be tested at Save Mart’s innovation flagship store in Modesto Nov. 7-8. 

The Tipping Point, Save Mart’s instore restaurant, will be turned over to one of Modesto’s most popular restaurants, Surla’s, and its much-loved chef, John Surla. Surla’s pop-up brunch menu will feature three popular items – Stuffed French Toast ($10), Eggs Benedict ($12) and Steak and Eggs ($15) – all served with country-style potatoes and fresh fruits.  100% of the brunch’s sales will go directly to the restaurant.  

“Our intent with this pilot program is consistent with our evergreen focus on the local communities we serve, and we’ve extended that approach to neighborhood restaurants impacted by the pandemic,” said Hal Levitt, senior vice president of retail operations. “We developed a program to assist local chefs and their restaurants and, at the same time, our guests can enjoy some of their favorite dishes, discover new ones and share in helping our local restaurants.”   

Save Mart will be announcing additional restaurant participants in the coming weeks.