Sober living can seem impossible in the food and beverage industry, where cultural pressures like the after-shift drink can curb efforts to kick a drug or alcohol habit. But some workers in The City's gastro scene are saying it doesn’t have to be that way.
Gina Helvie, who has worked in restaurants for nearly 20 years, started a support group for fellow food and hospitality workers who are seeking sobriety.
In February, Helvie along with David James Welch, who also works in San Francisco restaurants, organized the first in-person gathering for San Francisco’s newly formed chapter of Ben’s Friends, a national community of food and hospitality workers who are seeking sobriety. The hope is to provide a network of support while giving individuals hope that they can continue in the line of work that they love.
Before moving from Portland to San Francisco in 2021, Helvie dreamed of owning a restaurant after years of working in them. But becoming her own boss became a double-edged sword. There were suddenly little to no consequences for drinking on the job, and her struggle with alcoholism spiraled. Helvie’s recovery journey has involved joining an alcoholics anonymous group and a 30-day rehabilitation program. But she said having a community of people who understood the work environment she loved and the struggles it came with allowed her to stay sober during the tumultuous pandemic.
“I was so devastated by the idea that Ben was suffering and nobody knew it. I felt so strongly that I needed to do something,” said Palmer, who has been sober for more than 20 years.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
San Francisco’s first lady of billiards - The San Francisco ExaminerPatricia Giatis has been playing at Gino & Carlo’s in North Beach since she was a teenager, rising to the top ranks of San Francisco’s insular and competitive pool community and even going pro for a brief period.
Read more »
It’s all fun and games at San Pedro Social in San JoseThe new game-centered venue in downtown San Jose includes a four-lane bowling alley, arcade games and a karaoke room.
Read more »
Ferry service launches from San Francisco to Treasure Island - The San Francisco ExaminerICYMI: The new service will shuttle riders on a 48-passenger boat between the new Treasure Island Ferry Terminal and the San Francisco Ferry Building’s Gate B. The ferry will operate 16 hours daily, seven days a week.
Read more »
New ordinance regulating street vendors approved by San Diego City Council -SAN DIEGO (KUSI) – A proposed ordinance adding business regulations and restricting where and when sidewalk vendors and pushcarts can operate in an attempt to comply with a state law was approved Tuesday by the San Diego City Council. The proposal was adopted on a 8-1 vote with Councilwoman Vivian Moreno voting no. If would go into effect at the...
Read more »
San Diego Unified Board will decide which candidate becomes new superintendentThe San Diego Board of Education is still taking public comments on the two finalists for the job of the next permanent Superintendent.
Read more »
Embattled San Francisco School Board Approves Contentious Teacher Layoff PlansJust weeks after three members were overwhelmingly recalled by San Francisco voters, the SFUSD board voted Tuesday to layoff nearly 300 staffers including 151 teachers, counselor and social workers.
Read more »