Two of the neighborhood’s most favorite establishments—Rainbow Lodge and Mutiny in the Heights—are stepping up to support relief efforts for the Kerr County community following the devastating July 4 flash floods that ravaged parts of the Texas Hill Country.
Wild Game with a Purpose at Rainbow Lodge
On Friday, July 11, Rainbow Lodge will donate proceeds from a special Wild Game Burger Friday to the Kerr County Flood Relief Fund, a local effort organized by The Community Foundation to aid rescue and rebuilding operations across Hunt, Ingram, Kerrville, Center Point, and Comfort.
The patio at Rainbow Lodge (photo by Stefanie Thomas)
The featured “Hill Country Burger” includes a hearty blend of bison, elk and beef ribeye, grilled and topped with chili-fried onion strings and BBQ sauce, served with Lodge-made potato chips, pickles, and smoked mustard. It’s priced at $17, and $3 from each sale will go directly to flood relief efforts.
Rainbow Lodge owner Donnette Hansen has pledged to match every dollar raised from burger sales, encouraging fellow Houstonians to support the effort.
The Lodge’s #BurgerFriday tradition features a rotating wild game burger each week, using in-house butchery and seasonal toppings. For more details, visit rainbow-lodge.com/burger-friday.
Wine for a Cause at Mutiny in the Heights
Mutiny Wine Room in the Heights has also launched a month-long fundraiser in response to the flood disaster. Owners Emily Trout and Mark Ellenberger announced the wine-focused campaign in a heartfelt statement:
“Both Emily and I were profoundly saddened by the loss of life in Kerr County and particularly saddened by the loss of children and counselors at Camp Mystic,” said Ellenberger. “Many of Emily’s childhood friends and sorority sisters attended Mystic, as well as many of their daughters. This is a loss that hits home for all Texans and especially those directly impacted by the terrible floods.”
Through the end of July, Mutiny will donate $1 for every glass of wine sold, $5 for every bottle, and $75 for every case sold to the Kerr County Flood Relief Fund. Ellenberger urged others to join their efforts and also provided a link for those who prefer to donate directly: cftexashillcountry.fcsuite.com.
A United Community Response
The July 4 flood has left a lasting impact on Texas, particularly in areas surrounding the Guadalupe River. Among the most heartbreaking reports were the deaths and disappearances of campers and counselors from Camp Mystic. The outpouring of support from Houston restaurants reflects a statewide grief—and a united commitment to recovery.
For Houstonians looking to make their meals more meaningful this month, a burger or a bottle of wine might just help rebuild lives.