In response to the growing humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan, the founders of the Bay Area's community-focused gourmet burger concept, iniBurger, announced a major fundraising initiative. During the months of August and September 2021, a percentage of all proceeds generated across the brand's locations was donated directly to the International Rescue Committee (IRC) of Northern California. The funds were designated for the IRC's "Afghan Soft Landing Fund," an emergency response fund set up to assist newly arrived refugee families resettling in Northern California.
Since opening its doors in July 2020, iniBurger has built philanthropy directly into its fast-casual business model. The 100% Halal-certified restaurant concept donates a percentage of its sales monthly to local community organizations, particularly those focused on combatting hunger, food insecurity, and homelessness. Prior to the IRC campaign, the brand had already contributed over $10,000 to local charities in the San Francisco Bay Area.
A Deeply Personal Philanthropic Mission
For iniBurger co-founders Abdul and Leeza Popal, the fundraising drive was deeply personal. Both were born in Afghanistan and fled with their families to the United States during the Soviet invasion in 1979, growing up in the Bay Area. Having navigated the refugee experience firsthand, they recognized the critical importance of immediate, structured support for arriving families.
The International Rescue Committee has a long-standing history of providing aid in Afghanistan. Since 1988, the organization has worked on the ground to deliver emergency services, clean water, education, and healthcare both during and after periods of Taliban rule. In the United States, local IRC offices play a critical role in resettling refugees, helping them secure housing, navigate healthcare systems, obtain legal status, enroll children in school, and find stable employment.
Job Training and Sourcing Integrity
In addition to financial contributions, Abdul and Leeza Popal announced that iniBurger would open doors for job training and employment opportunities within their Pleasanton and Fremont restaurants for refugees settling in the East Bay. The co-founders aimed to provide not just immediate relief, but long-term economic stability and community integration.
The campaign operated at the brand's core locations, including Fremont (44029 Osgood Rd. #149) and Pleasanton (4233 Rosewood Drive #11). Despite the operational focus on charity fundraising, iniBurger maintained its strict sourcing standards. Diners supported the campaign by purchasing signature menu items crafted with 100% USDA Choice Premium Black Angus beef, cage-free poultry, real cheese (Cheddar, Swiss, Pepper Jack, and Cotija), and fresh custom buns.
"Our brand's philosophy is built on four core values: Custom, Clean, Community, and Halal," explained Leeza Popal. "We believe that as local business owners, we have a clear obligation to support the people around us. We hope our partnership with the IRC inspires other Silicon Valley businesses to step up and support the resettlement of these families in whatever way they can."
As a company that was founded on a mission to support our communities, we are honored to support the International Rescue Committee.
— Leeza Popal, Co-Founder, iniBurger
RestaurantNews.com
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