The acts of service provided by the hospitality industry tap into an ancient form of human connection: nourishing each other. Whether whisking behind a hot grill or scribbling down brunch orders at lightning speed, each service team member plays an integral part in the relay race of food service. While we are in awe of the efficiency at our local hotspots, we also recognize that behind the shiny surface of the restaurant industry lies high rates of substance use and mental health disorders. Recognizing the struggles that workers commonly reckon with is a key step to ending the stigma and supporting our beloved baristas and brewers.

Brittany shares the grief and loneliness she experienced moving from Colorado back to the Midwest and how she learned to give herself compassion through the process.