How the CEO of One of the Highest-Grossing Restaurants in America Gives Back to Veterans
Joe’s Stone Crab, the oldest restaurant in Miami Beach, serves thousands of people daily and consistently tops the charts as one of the highest-grossing independent restaurants in the country. But the seaside hotspot stands out for more than serving its legendary stone crab. Caring for the community has been at the core of Joe’s success for over a century, and it comes in red-carpet form for wounded veterans.
Joe’s attentiveness to service members is largely spearheaded by the restaurant’s CEO and fourth-generation co-owner, Steve Sawitz. Every year for the past 20 years, Steve treats 40-70 wounded warriors to a private dinner at Joe’s before they bike across Miami and the Florida Keys for Soldier Ride®, Wounded Warrior Project (WWP)’s multi-day adaptive cycling event.
A Legacy of Service
Steve first learned about Soldier Ride while watching a WWP™ DVD in 2005. He knew immediately he wanted to get involved. Like many things that hold importance to Steve, his military affinity involved family history. His father served in the Air Force during the Korean War, and his grandfather served in World War II. Steve never served but has always admired veterans for their love of country and commitment to service.
Now, Steve sees Soldier Ride as his way to serve. “Veterans already paid the price. All I can do is try to make their day with a nice meal and an unforgettable experience,” he said.
For Army veteran and recent Soldier Ride participant Jacob Norotsky, the night at Joe’s is one he’ll always remember.
"Steve left a lasting impact on my Soldier Ride experience,” Jacob said. “Staff members waited on us hand and foot. The patriotism and honor were overflowing from him and his employees."
Lines wrap around the building for a table at Joe’s, but Steve ensures veterans always come first.
"Warriors encounter Steve's charisma and compassion on night 1 of Soldier Ride Miami-Key West," said James Herrera, WWP Physical Health & Wellness vice president. "He and the exceptional staff at Joe's treat warriors to a fully covered, elevated dining experience all while expressing genuine honor and gratitude for their service to our country. The night sets the tone for the rest of the trip. We're grateful for Steve's outpouring of support year after year.”
Leaving a Lasting Impact
Steve’s generosity has exceeded $66,000 in free meals for warriors over the years. Every dollar, every dinner, every welcoming handshake, and every warm smile for the warriors of Soldier Ride Miami-Key West have made a difference.
Supporters like Steve help WWP provide free, life-changing programs and services in mental health, career counseling, long-term rehabilitative care, and policy advocacy to injured veterans and their families. That’s why WWP recently honored Steve with the 2024 Impact Award at the second annual Benefit for the Brave event in Miami. The award recognizes leaders in the community for their contribution to the WWP mission.
“This award means everything to me,” said Steve. “But more than anything, it motivates me to do more. There are so many good people out there doing good things for people. We need to honor our veterans; we owe it to them.”
Contact: Gracie Scribner — Public Relations, gscribner@woundedwarriorproject.org, 904.489.5295
About Wounded Warrior Project
Since 2003, Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) has been meeting the growing needs of warriors, their families, and caregivers — helping them achieve their highest ambition. Learn more.