This weekend, Habit was honored to stand alongside firefighters, first responders, veterans, military members and the Long Beach community for the inaugural Long Beach World Trade Center 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb.

The event was created to honor the 343 members of the New York City Fire Department who lost their lives responding to the attacks on September 11, 2001, and to ensure their courage and sacrifice continue to be remembered by generations to come.

The morning began with a memorial ceremony and moment of silence before participants took on a powerful challenge: climbing 110 stories, representing the height FDNY personnel faced inside the World Trade Center that morning.

But this wasn’t just a stair climb. At check-in, each participant selected the name and badge of a fallen firefighter to carry with them, making every step a personal tribute to one of the heroes who never made it home.

For Habit’s Sr. Director of Operations & Guest Experience, Jamesa Willis, supporting the event was about showing up for a community that has always shown up for others.

“Seeing so many firefighters, first responders, families and community members come together to honor these heroes was incredibly moving,” said Willis. “At Habit, we talk a lot about hospitality and what it means to take care of people. Sometimes that simply means showing up, serving a warm meal and letting people know you’re there for them. We were humbled to be part of such a meaningful day.”

When climbers completed their 110-story tribute, Habit Trucks were waiting at the finish to serve complimentary Charburgers to climbers and participants.

It was a simple gesture after an extraordinary morning, and one small way our Habit family could say thank you.

We’re grateful to the Long Beach Firefighters Association, IAFF Local 372, Long Beach Fire Department and everyone who helped bring this inaugural event to life. Most of all, we’re grateful to the firefighters and first responders who continue to carry forward the legacy of those who served on September 11.

At Habit, being part of a community means being there for the big moments, the difficult ones and the moments when gathering around a meal can bring people just a little closer together.

We were proud to be there. We will never forget.