Fried Pickles Fund $5K in Scholarships for Georgia Servers

Three young restaurant workers in Savannah are heading toward their dreams thanks to an unlikely hero: the humble fried pickle.

The 5 Spot restaurants just awarded $5,000 in scholarships to three team members through their Serving Success Scholarship Program. The funding model is brilliantly simple. One dollar from every fried pickle appetizer sold goes directly into the scholarship fund, transforming a customer favorite into real educational opportunities.

Somaria Courtney and Abby Frame from the Richmond Hill location each received awards to start their college journeys this fall. Both incoming freshmen plan to pursue careers in law. Piper Mott from the Midtown location, currently a high school junior, is using her scholarship for an advanced SAT prep program to help her reach her dream college.

Courtney has worked at 5 Spot Richmond Hill since the location opened in 2024, moving from host to server. She's heading to Louisiana State University this fall. "Having this money will help me focus completely on my classes this year, without the stress of finding a job," she said.

Frame has earned Employee of the Month twice during her two years with the company. She's bound for the University of Georgia, grateful for help with tuition and textbooks.

Mott, who greets thousands of guests with a smile at the Midtown location, appreciates working for a company that values education. "Academics are very important to me, and it means a lot to work for a company that also values them," she said.

The program, now in its second year, offers annual awards ranging from $250 to $2,000. Employees apply with essays, recommendation letters, and details about their educational goals. The money covers tuition, books, supplies, housing, and other school expenses.

The Ripple Effect

Brian Huskey owns GLGSAV, the parent company behind 5 Spot restaurants, b. Matthew's Eatery, and Abe's on Lincoln. He sees the restaurant business as more than just serving food. "It's about investing in the community that we all work and live in," he said.

The scholarship program is part of a bigger commitment. Through partnerships with local nonprofits and community organizations, Huskey's company is on track to contribute more than $30,000 to Savannah communities in 2026 alone.

The genius of the fried pickle model is that it turns every customer into a contributor without asking for donations. Diners enjoy their appetizers while automatically supporting the futures of the people serving them.

Three young women are proof that small acts, repeated thousands of times, can change lives.