Unique way to "Pay it Forward" at California Burger in South Lake Tahoe

South Lake Tahoe businessman Ted Kennedy knows how to take care of not only his customers, but also his 350 employees. He is part of the team who brought Base Camp Pizza, Azul Latin Kitchen and California Burger to the Heavenly Village.

During management meetings, Ted and team ask, "How can we make it fun for all?" "How can we reach out to the community?"

They have several answers, one being a Pay it Forward Day. For the whole day on May 31, from opening at 11:30 a.m. to closing at 2:00 a.m., Kennedy will take the proceeds from California Burger for the day, double it, and give back to the restaurant's 80 employees. The staff is encouraged, though not required, to then give back to others with that money.

"Employees are on board," said Kennedy. "Last time we did this one gave the money to a homeless person, and another helped a friend pay rent."

Kennedy said he'd like to see this concept grow in South Lake Tahoe. He has different partners at the other two Village restaurants, so they haven't started this approach yet, but he's trying and would like to see other local businesses do the same.

"Our last Pay it Forward day was so successful that we're going to do it twice a year," said Kennedy.

This concept isn't the only way the three restaurants get connected to the community.

The managers at California Burger are also part owners, a business model Kennedy sees as being very successful. "Not only do they act like owners, the business is really theirs," he said. "I get a lot of, 'how can I make this better?'"

Community involvement doesn't end at the new hamburger restaurant, but also at the other two, and soon to be at Lakeside Beach House. Kennedy's group is going to manage the beach restaurant and have been hard at work adding a stage and fixing it up for opening around June 6. They will have food and music all seven days of the week.

On Wednesdays, at all four of the restaurants, teachers, police officers, fire personnel, nurses and those on active duty get one free entree.

"This is to thank them, and show that we appreciate their service," said Kennedy. "They are our local heroes."

Jeffrey Connor spearheaded an effort that happens on the stage at Base Camp Pizza May 31. From 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., local musicians will be on the stage recording a CD of all original music. They will include one song from their large group of artists who perform nightly, including Kennedy. Proceeds from the sales of the upcoming CD will go to a charity, though which one has not been decided yet. Kennedy said they plan to create a CD each year and sell for charities.

Each of his Heavenly Village restaurants have created a large music offering (Lakeside Beach House will soon follow), with artists at each location performing all day and night, all year long. Stages move inside for night and inclement weather.

"We are in the people business, who just happen to be in the (__insert pizza, burger, Latin food here__) business," said Kennedy.