Kind-hearted logistics businessman Radford Cox has stepped up to offer a helping hand to those most in need as the Covid-19 coronavirus crisis continues to cause devastation to many members of the community.
The American, who owns both the Big Texas Barbeque & Waffle House and the Red Plate restaurants, is donating bowls of soup to those who have lost their jobs or are struggling financially due to the pandemic.
The ‘Soup for the Soul’ initiative, sponsored by Cox Logistics SPC, witnessed culinary wizards concocting a trial run of 50 bowls in the Big Texas kitchen yesterday, which proved a startling success.
Beaming smiles and grateful thanks greeted the delivery team, who wore masks and gloves to ensure the operation was safe for all concerned.
Mr Cox, from the US state of Alabama, who opened Big Texas BBQ on April 1, 2015, said: “About a week and a half ago, we obviously had to close down our two outlets except for takeaway and home deliveries. We found that we had a lot of food that was perishable and knew we had to do something with it.
“I wanted a way to keep our employees busy as I refuse to advocate cutting any staff or salaries at a time when they need work the most. Not only that, but the community of Bahrain has always been so good to us and this is a time of need for the country, so I want to give something back.
“To do this, I launched a programme, which I named Soup for the Soul. When I was younger and not feeling great, my mother would make this amazing soup which would help me to feel so much better. I want to bring the same feeling to those who are struggling right now, whether through sickness, hunger or other difficulties.
“I truly believe, without a hint of bias, that we have the best soup in the country. Let’s get it out there and help those souls!”
Radford has now mobilised his team to dish up 200 bowls four-times-a-week until the crisis abates.
To get the initiative off the ground, he initially reached out to the American Chamber of Commerce who were big fans of the idea. The Chamber then put Radford in touch with EuroMotors and the Rashid AlZayani Foundation, who have agreed to deliver the soup fresh out of the kitchen.
Huge batches of soup are being made every day with fresh ingredients in order to reach Radford’s target of 800 bowls per-week. The kitchens of Red Plate, an American / Italian-style restaurant, and Big Texas BBQ are working together from one outlet to deliver on his promise, with four flavours promised: minestrone, mushroom, potato and tomato.
To ensure that the soup goes to those most in need, the Rashid AlZayani Foundation will collect it from the kitchens and distribute it, mainly to Manama and Adliya, where there are swathes of workers unable to work in the current climate.
Omar Abdulaziz, the head of the foundation, believes that Soup for the Soul is one of many outstanding initiatives which shows Bahrain has a community spirit unlike no other.
He said: “The Rashid AlZayani Foundation is always keen on working with people around Bahrain who are trying to make a positive difference. When Mr Cox approached us with the idea, we didn't have to think twice about partnering with him.
“His kitchen is providing much-needed nutrition to people who are currently unable to work due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
"We hope to continue to expand this project to target those who are most vulnerable to the current crisis and to be able to do our little bit to make things better for them.”
