Our Story
OUR FOUNDERS
Jerry Scheer and Mark Cumins, founders of The Ripple Fund
When the first TBonz opened in Athens, Georgia on May 14th 1985, we had no idea where we would be today. We thought, let’s do this restaurant thing until we “grow up” and then at that point, we can go and get “real jobs”. Well, that was 40 years ago so that means either we have yet to grow up, or that this is our real job.
Fast forward to today, Ripple, and the deeds it has been able to accomplish, has become the personification of that small restaurant group, 40 years later.
In reality, it’s probably a little bit of both. What began as a small 60 seat restaurant has developed into 9 unique concepts, with 18 locations spreading throughout Georgia and South Carolina.
Although Mark is no longer physically present with us, his legacy continues to influence our lives daily. Mark was the heart and beacon guiding this company and his memory is a constant blessing.
“Giving someone a job is the highest form of charity.”
— Jerry Scheer
The usual way
A donor gives, the money is spent, and the donor gets asked again.
Promising entrepreneurs often can’t get a bank loan, and when they do, they carry all the risk.
The Ripple way
The dollar keeps moving in a circle. Angel investing sustains a local business, employs our neighbors, and funds nonprofits in our community.
We share the risk with the owner.
The interest
Paid forward to The Ripple Fund to support Lowcountry nonprofits.
The principal
Reinvested in the next local entrepreneur.
Every dollar keeps working.
Every meal at Berkeley’s and The Archer helps fund Lowcountry nonprofits like AMOR Healing Kitchen, Let’s Walk, Doors to Dream, and The Green Heart Project.
And the circle keeps going
We are just beginning
Forty years ago, we opened one small restaurant and figured we’d get “real jobs” later. We’re still here, and still building. If you have a business idea that could make the Lowcountry stronger, we’d love to hear it.