South Loop’s Top This Mac ‘N Cheese Launches Free Meal Fridays To Thank The City’s First Responders

SOUTH LOOP — Top This Mac N’ Cheese is celebrating Chicago’s police officers, firemen and emergency technicians with First Responder First Fridays.

Those workers can pick up a free meal 11 a.m.-8 p.m. — or until supply is exhausted — the first Friday of every month at the restaurant, 51 E. Cermak Road. First responders must be in uniform, and health care providers must have ID.

Credit: Gary Adcock

Co-owner Damarr Brown opened the delivery and takeout restaurant in November. It offers patrons an “upgraded” version of mac and cheese with toppings like buffalo chicken and roasted vegetables.

Brown said First Responder First Fridays is a continuation of friend and partner chef Erick Williams’ efforts to give back to the community.

Brown has served as chef de cuisine at Virtue, Williams’ signature restaurant since 2018.

“I find purpose in supporting the community, and during the pandemic we had the opportunity to serve thousands of meals to health care workers through Virtue,” Brown said. “Now that we have this new platform at Top This, I want to continue to give back to people that are on the front lines every day supporting our health and safety.”

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