Farmer Boys, Jersey Mike’s, The Habit help nonprofits

Despite the coronavirus pandemic, restaurants still are giving back to the community.

At the end of September, Inland Empire-based Farmer Boys staged its annual fundraiser for Loma Linda University Children’s Health.

The chain urged its customers to round up purchases to the nearest dollar, with the overage earmarked for the hospital.

Farmer Boys recently announced it raised $100,000 during the campaign, which will continue year-round this year.

Over the past 20 years, Farmer Boys has raised $1,100,000 for the hospital.

Guests were particularly generous during last month’s Month of Giving at Jersey Mike’s Subs.

Voluntary donations were taken for various local charities throughout the month, culminating in a Day of Giving on March 31, when the chain donates all proceeds from sales to those local charities.

The chain nearly doubled its $8 million goal by raising $15 million nationwide.

This year, funds raised in the Inland Empire — along with the greater Los Angeles area, Santa Barbara and Fresno — benefited Cancer for College, an organization that provides need-based college scholarships for cancer survivors.

A total of $1,505,849 was raised for the organization.

The Habit Burger Grill is currently raising funds for front-line workers by asking guests to round up purchases to the nearest dollar.

The overages will benefit For the Frontlines, an organization that provides free counseling for frontline workers dealing with anxiety, stress, fear and isolation.

Guests also can round up while ordering online or via the Habit Burger app.

Another Pink Boots collaboration

Escape Craft Brewery in Redlands is the latest local brewery to release its collaboration with the Pink Boots Society.

Pow Factor is a hazy India Pale Ale made with Sabro, Cashmere, Anthem, Citra, Loral and Mosaic hops.

The Pink Boots Society is an organization created to assist, inspire and encourage female fermented/alcoholic beverage industry professionals to advance their careers through education.

It’s available in cans or on tap at the tasting room, 721 Nevada St., Suite 401.

New flavor

Dunkin’ has introduced a new flavor of its Dunkin’ Refresher line of beverages.

The Blueberry Pomegranate Dunkin’ Refresher is made with iced green tea, flavored fruit concentrate and B vitamins. It joins the Strawberry Dragonfruit and Peach Passion Fruit Dunkin’ Refreshers.

Also, the chain is currently offering a California-exclusive deal for its DD Perks members: Get a medium cold brew or cold brew with sweet cold foam for just $3.

The deal is good through April 27 at participating locations.

Now open

Carnitas Al Estilo Michoacán finally has opened its new location at 23040 Alessandro Blvd. in Moreno Valley.

The location was formerly home to Caliente Restaurant, Bar and Grill, but many will remember it as a former Don Jose Restaurant.

The new location joins its existing location at 818 S. Mountain Ave., Ontario.

Both locations are open 8 a.m.-9 p.m. daily.

A grand opening for the Moreno Valley location is set for 4-9 p.m. April 29, during which guests will receive a free taco and a can of soda.

Final goodbye

And lastly, a final goodbye to the former Mediterranean Restaurant in San Bernardino.

The building that housed the restaurant — which closed years ago — was destroyed in a fire last Friday night.