Hoagies and Hops, a Philadelphia-style eatery in the heart of the Butler Tarkington neighborhood near the intersection of 40th Street and Boulevard Place, is taking a charitable step forward thanks to a holiday-driven fundraiser for one of Indianapolis’ busiest community centers.
On March 24, also known as ‘National Cheesesteak Day,’ Hoagies and Hops will donate 15% of cheesesteak sales to the MLK Center, located at 40 West 40th Street, adjacent to Tarkington Park.
“Ever since I opened in 2015, I have wanted to give back on this glorious National Cheesesteak Day that started in Philly back in the mid-90s,” Hoagies and Hops owner Kristina Mazza told the Indianapolis Recorder.
A portion of sales from Chilly Water Brewing Company beers purchased on National Cheesesteak Day will also go to the center.
When asked why the MLK Center was chosen as the recipient of the charitable drive proceeds, Mazza said it was an easy decision.
“When I moved my shop to the Butler Tarkington Neighborhood in 2019, it was a no-brainer that the funds raised that day [National Cheesesteak Day] would go to the mission of the MLK Center,” Mazza said.
The MLK Center’s mission is “to create a meaningful impact on the lives of those served, through quality, multi-generational programs that build community, invest in youth, empower families, advocate for neighbors, and provide a peaceful space to connect,” according to its official website.
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Mazza believes that supporting the community that supports Hoagies and Hops is vital to the business and community members.
“I have always believed that supporting our neighborhood centers contributes to the well-being and vitality of our community, making it a better place for everyone to live, work and thrive,” Mazza said.
This is not the eatery’s first philanthropic endeavor. During fall 2023, Hoagies and Hops partnered with Indianapolis Colts player and Philly native Zaire Franklin to help raise money for his nonprofit, Shalice’s Angels. The fundraiser ran for the duration of the Indianapolis Colts season.
Advocacy and Engagement Director at MLK Center Mary Dicken is also thankful for the work Hoagies and Hops is doing for the neighborhood.
“We couldn’t do what we do without the support of our neighborhood,” Dicken told the Recorder. “Businesses like Hoagies and Hops, churches and other organizations, and all the people who live here [Butler-Tarkington.] Our community members expect us to be a catalyst for transformative change. To do that, we need collaborators to come alongside us, not only as donors but also as neighbors who serve each other, share passions and gifts, and are willing to grow and be challenged.”
Throughout 2022-2023, the MLK Center provided year-round after-school elementary and middle school programming to more than 80 families, according to the organization’s impact report. This includes Indiana Public Schools (IPS) James Whitcomb Riley School #43, which is around the corner from the cheesy eatery.
During the summer of 2023, the program experienced an 8% growth in reading level within only eight weeks. Throughout that same year, the MLK Center provided more than 700 hours of one-on-one tutoring to students and read over 122 books to them, positively impacting their academic growth and development.
Some Hoagies and Hops employees even used to frequent the MLK Center, taking advantage of its many programs and avoiding trouble.
“Their youth programs promote education, leadership skills and positive youth development, helping to steer our young people away from negative influences and towards productive futures,” Mazza said. “I love being able to contribute to these efforts.”
Dicken also echoed Mazza’s sentiments about fostering a better future.
“We are unwaveringly committed to building Dr. King’s vision of the Beloved Community, a community in which everyone is cared for and poverty, hunger, racism, and violence are no more,” Dicken said. “We do that through multi-generational programs that advocate for neighbors, promote racial justice, and provide a peaceful space to connect – programs like our after-school literacy lab, apprenticeships for young adults, gatherings for seniors, coaching and support for neighbors, and more.”
Those interested in a tour of the recently-renovated MLK Center can find more information on their website.
Contact multimedia staff writer Noral Parham at 317-762-7846 or via email at Noralp@indyrecorder.com. Follow him on Twitter at @3Noral.
