Paco’s Tacos is offering free tacos to essential workers

Exploring the reason behind Paco’s Tacos offer for essential workers

I enjoyed this press release project because of the writing style. I also enjoyed writing about a fictional story. This reporting project helped me realize that I might want to write for public relations one day.

Press Release 

Paco’s Tacos

63 Nicoli Avenue

Newport, Rhode Island 02840

Contact: Katie Burke                                    

April 28, 2020                                For Immediate Release 

Paco’s Tacos is offering free tacos to essential workers during this crisis

Paco’s Tacos is offering free tacos to medical professionals and other essential works on the front line of the COVID-19 crisis. 

Paco’s Tacos is in effort to support the Newport community and thank the folks working hard to fight the pandemic. Giving back and paying forward is very important to the company especially after they received so much community support in the wake of a traffic accident that damaged the restaurant in 2019. 

Proprietor Ivan “Paco” Schwartz said, “As this crisis developed, I knew I wanted to find some way to help my community. I thought, what can I do? Well, I make a mean taco. Good food makes people happy. So, this is my little way of saying thanks – with tacos.” 

The restaurant’s offer is available on Tuesdays and Thursdays in May from 11am until close. Customers can order online or by phone. To qualify for the free taco, simply click the “Essential Worker” box in the online order form or tell the team member who takes your call that you are working on the front lines. Then, show your work ID badge when you pick up the order. Curbside pick-up is available if you call when you get to the restaurant. It’s that simple!

The restaurant employs about 50 people, but due to social distancing restrictions the restaurant has been operating with a reduced staff. Currently, there are usually just four people on one shift to ensure the safety of employees and customers. A number of employees have been furloughed, but they are also receiving free meals. Paco’s Tacos is providing for their employees and the community!

Furloughed Paco’s Tacos server Pat Collins said, “I’ve worked at Paco’s for about 2 years and I hate being away from the restaurant. Everybody who works here is just like family. I know Paco wants to hire us all back as soon as he can. And I really appreciate the free meals. I wasn’t at all surprised when Paco announced the free tacos for medical professionals. That’s exactly the sort of caring individual he is.” 

Paco’s Tacos won “Best Tex-Mex” in Newport Daily News’ annual reader poll in 2016, 2017 and 2019. The restaurant has a 5-star average on Yelp with 523 reviews. 

Sam Shirakawa, Director of Public Outreach at Newport Hospital said, “On behalf of all the doctors, nurses and support staff working around the clock, I thank Mr. Schwartz for extending this generous offer of free tacos.”

Paco’s Tacos is a local Newport restaurant that was opened in January of 2015. The menu has a wide range from Baja fish tacos to a 3-meat burrito called the “Big Paco.” The restaurant is clearly stepping up by going above and beyond during this crisis. 

For more information, interested customers can order online at www.pacostacos.com or call the restaurant at 401-909-TACO.