Restaurant Owner Uses Gift Card Sales To Pay Staff $30K In Holiday Bonuses

The owner of two popular Massachusetts restaurants gave his employees a special gift this holiday season.

Leo Keka, who owns Alba, an upscale steak and seafood restaurant with locations in Quincy Center and 53 in Hanover, said he donated $30,000 in pre-Christmas gift card sales to pay a total of $30,000 in Christmas bonuses to his staff at both restaurants in a post shared on Alba's' Facebook account Sunday (December 27.)

"We're proud to report that we donated $30,000 in Christmas bonuses this week to our staff both here in Quincy and at ALBA on 53 in Hanover ... thanks entirely to you, our incredible customers, who flooded us with gift-card sales the week before Christmas."

Alba was among restaurants nationwide to experience negative affects from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic amid restaurant shutdowns and limitation. But Keka credits his staff and loyal customers for allowing his business to survive and operate within Massachusetts' safety guidelines.

"It has obviously been a very difficult year for everyone in the restaurant industry. But thanks to you, and of course to our best-in-the-business staff both in the front of the house and in the kitchen, we were able to serve you within state safety guidelines throughout 2020.

"We look forward to a better year ahead in 2021. Thank you to everyone who made this donation to our staff possible."

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