Gringo's Mexican Kitchen, Jimmy Changas offering free meals for Houston firefighters facing layoffs

Gringo's Mexican Kitchen and Jimmy Changas Houston area locations are offering Houston firefighters facing layoffs amid Prop B a free meal for their entire family. Gringo's Mexican Kitchen and Jimmy Changas Houston area locations are offering Houston firefighters facing layoffs amid Prop B a free meal for their entire family. Photo: Kaila Contreras Photo: Kaila Contreras Image 1 of / 3 Caption Close Gringo's Mexican Kitchen, Jimmy Changas offering free meals for Houston firefighters facing layoffs 1 / 3 Back to Gallery

Houston firefighters facing layoffs amid the implementation of Prop B can grab a free meal with their family at any Houston area Gringo's Mexican Kitchen or Jimmy Changas location.

Gringo's President Russel Ybarra announced the offer May 2 via Facebook, asking any Houston area firefighter facing a layoff to take advantage of the offer.

"In light of all the layoffs and demotions, any Houston firefighter facing a layoff can bring in their family to dine with us," said Heather McKeon, chief marketing officer for Gringos. "If you are facing financial needs then one of the first things to go is the luxury of going out to eat. So why not say 'Hey it's on us this time?'"

Nearly two weeks ago, Houston City Council voted to lay off 220 firefighters to help offset raises mandated by the implementation of Prop B, which would require the city to pay firefighters the same as police of corresponding rank, the Chronicle reported.

MAYOR TURNER: Mediator declares negotiations over Prop B raises at impasse

Hundreds of firefighters received layoff notices and demotion notices last week, the Chronicle reported. Upwards of 450 Houston Fire Department personnel are expected to be demoted.

McKeon said the restaurant chains will cover the firefighter and their family's food. She added any first responders and veterans already receive a 50% discount at the chains if they show a badge or are in uniform.

"We are here to support the people that support us and dine at our restaurants," McKeon said. "We are going to give back in the same way they appreciate our business."

As of the May 2 announcement, only 11 families have reached out to the chains. McKeon said when the chains made a similar offer to families affected by the government shutdown last year, more than 1,500 families were served.

RELATED: Houston firefighters get layoff notices, demotion letters under Prop B implementation, union says

McKeon said the offer has no expiration date - as long as a firefighter reaches out, the chains will honor the invitation.

Those interested are asked to send a name, email address and contact number to community relations coordinator Lindi Vineyard at lindi@gringostexmex.com to receive a free meal. McKeon said Ybarra's other restaurants, Bullritos La Porte, The Lunch Box and Burger Libre, will also honor the offer if a firefighter requests one of those La Porte area restaurants.

See Houston area Gringo's Mexican Kitchen locations here and Houston area Jimmy Changas locations here.

Rebecca Hennes covers community news. Read her on our breaking news site, Chron.com, and on our subscriber site, houstonchronicle.com. | rebecca.hennes@chron.com | Text CHRON to 77453 to receive breaking news alerts by text message

