ASHEVILLE, N.C. (WLOS) — Bear’s Smokehouse Barbecue in Asheville spotlighted mental health challenges in the food and beverage industry with its “Queenies and Weenies” event.
Owner Cheryl Antoncic said mental health is incredibly important across all industries, but there is very limited access to resources and services in the food and beverage industry.
This event aims to give back to workers in the industry who serve others and to break the stigma around mental health.
“To use comedy, absurd, over-the-top, extreme, fun to make it normal. To have these conversations and using that as kind of the gateway, so that somebody recognizes when they’re in need of help. It’s okay to ask for it,” Antoncic said.
Friday night’s event marks the kickoff of the second annual “Big Weiner Party.”
The restaurant’s goal is to raise $10,000 for counseling services for industry workers across Asheville.