Every February, Lane County comes together over one of the simplest and most beloved comfort foods of all time: the grilled cheese sandwich. The Grilled Cheese Experience, an annual fundraiser benefiting Food for Lane County, invites local restaurants to put their own spin on the classic sandwich while helping fight hunger right here at home.
Throughout the month, participating restaurants across Eugene, Springfield, and surrounding communities feature a special grilled cheese on their menu. For every sandwich sold, a portion of proceeds is donated directly to Food for Lane County, supporting programs that provide meals, groceries, and food access for children, families, seniors, and individuals experiencing food insecurity.
What makes the Grilled Cheese Experience especially meaningful is how accessible it is. There’s no ticket to buy and no special event to attend. Instead, community members simply enjoy a meal at a favorite local spot or try somewhere new, knowing that their lunch or dinner is making a difference. It’s a reminder that small actions, multiplied across a community, can have a powerful impact.
The event has become a winter tradition for many, encouraging people to explore local restaurants while celebrating creativity in the kitchen. From classic comfort versions to inventive twists, each grilled cheese tells a story about the restaurant that created it and the community it serves. It also highlights the strength of local businesses stepping up together for a shared cause.
Beyond the sandwiches, the Grilled Cheese Experience sparks conversation about hunger in Lane County and the ongoing need for community support. Food for Lane County serves tens of thousands of people every year, and events like this help ensure that vital services can continue. It’s a chance to eat well, support local restaurants, and contribute to a healthier, more connected community.
Whether you’re making it a personal challenge to try multiple stops or just enjoying one really good grilled cheese, participating in the Grilled Cheese Experience is a delicious way to give back. Every bite helps strengthen Lane County and reminds us that caring for our neighbors can be as simple as sharing a meal.
Participating Restaurants
Eugene
Agate Alley Bistro
Blended on 5th
Buddy’s Diner
Cozmic Charlie’s Cheeze Shack
Falling Sky Brewpub
Fisherman’s Market
Graduate Eugene
Green-Go Tacos
Jazzy Ladies
Lani Moku Grill
Magpie Coffeeshop
Mandy’s Family Restaurant
Newman’s Fish Co.
Newman’s Grotto
O’My Mini Donuts and Sweetbay Shave Ice
Only Yolking
Pandita
Provisions Thirteen
Provisions Market Hall
Provisions South
The Pub at Laurelwood Golf Course
Red Barn Deli
Seasoned
SIP
Southpine Bakery
Springfield
Black Market BBQ
Busy Bee Café
Hop Valley Brewing – Springfield
Plank Town Brewing Co.
Lani Moku Grill
Lovely
Moi Poki Grill
Riverview Cafeteria @ PeaceHealth RiverBend
Shalosh
Outlying Areas
The 99 Grill (Harrisburg)
Alesong Brewing (Lorane)
Axe & Fiddle Public House (Cottage Grove)
Cheese Bliss (Veneta)
Chef Lino’s (Coburg)
Chief’s Brew House (Coburg)
Coast Fork Brewery (Cottage Grove)
Jack Sprats Restaurant (Cottage Grove)
Junkyard Extreme Burgers & Brats (Junction City)
After Dark (21+)
Highlands Bar & Grill (Eugene)
The Pour House (Springfield)
The Sparrow & Serpent Pub (Eugene)
Slice Pizzeria in the Whit (Eugene)
