Part of being a provider of the best restaurant jobs around is our work with joint venture partners. These relationships help us get in touch with the local food scene and provide the ‘taste of place’ that we’re known for. 

One of our valued joint venture partners is Elliott Threatt. Many people know Elliott as an Emmy-winning and Grammy-nominated comedian and while laughing certainly feeds the soul, he brings a lot more to the table than jokes.

Not only is Elliott a restaurant jobs creator, he is one of the most generous people we know when it comes to ensuring those around him don’t go hungry. It started on his 57th birthday when he decided that he’d rather spend the money his family would have spent on a fancy birthday dinner or party on helping others. Since then, he’s bought and served food to the community on every birthday and many other days throughout the year.  

He’s worked with veterans’ groups, community kitchens, and shelters throughout the country, many in the Midwest where he resides. He’s even been kind enough to let SSP America lend a hand as well, donating food for some of his events.

Giving back is a family affair for the Threatts. Elliott’s dad was involved in civil rights and Elliott wants to pass the values that his father passed on to him to his own children. As he said, “when your kids are growing up on the nice side of town, you have to make sure they understand how other people live and teach them empathy.” Elliott’s obviously doing something right because his wife and children often get in on the action, serving food and greeting guests. He continued, “I think about the memories you make and I like the memories of my family helping others more than anything else.” 

Recently, Elliott was in Cedar Rapids, IA, working with Mission of Hope. Here’s what he had to say, “Cedar Rapids is very near and dear to me. The city provided me with artistic opportunities when getting started in comedy and now I have the opportunity to provide a ‘taste of place’ with local restaurants at The Eastern Iowa Airport.”

Elliott says he often thinks of the song by The New Radicals “You Get What You Give.” Elliott is a shining example of someone who gives so much and SSP America is proud to work with him.