Tyler Gwozdz was a son, a brother, a best friend, a standout athlete, and a role model in the Greenwich community. He was also a loyal Garden Catering fan — his go-to order was always the same: a bacon, egg, and cheese, topped with cones and honey mustard.
Photo: Tyler Gwozdz
In high school, a shoulder injury led to surgery — and with it, a battle Tyler never expected: addiction. Like so many others, his path began with prescribed medication and evolved into a years-long struggle with a disease that touches every community.
Out of Tyler’s compassion, generosity, and spirit, the Tyler G. Foundation was created by his family. Its mission: to honor Tyler’s legacy by supporting addiction recovery, education, and local family resource programs.
To mark what would have been Tyler’s 35th birthday, Wednesday, June 18, Garden Catering will donate 100% of proceeds from sales of “Tyler’s BEC” — his favorite BEC with cones and honey mustard — to the foundation.
“We’re so excited to partner with Garden Catering for the second year in a row,” said Patrick Gwozdz, CEO of the Tyler G Foundation. “Garden Catering is such an important part of our community, and together we can raise awareness about the disease of addiction and help those who are impacted. Anyone who knew Tyler knew that Garden Catering was his favorite place, and there’s no better way to celebrate his birthday with a BEC, Tyler style.”
“Tyler wasn’t just a customer — he was part of our family,” said Frank Carpenteri Jr., CEO of Garden Catering. “He grew up at GC, and our team loved him like one of our own. We’re honored to help carry his legacy forward and support the foundation doing such important work.”
Guests can also support the cause by donating directly at www.tylergfoundation.org/
For more information on the Tyler G. Foundation, visit www.tylergfoundation.org.
Frank Carpenteri Sr. re-opened Garden Catering in 1991 at its original location in Old Greenwich. Still family owned and operated by Carpenteri Sr.’s children Frank Jr and Tina, Garden Catering currently has 8 restaurants throughout Connecticut and New York. The menu features their famous chicken nuggets made with No Antibiotics Ever, 100% White Meat Chicken breast. They are cut by hand daily and cooked to crispy perfection for every order. Other menu items include the award winning Hotsy breakfast sandwich, perfectly seasoned fries, crispy potato cones, creamy mac bites, and handcrafted milkshakes. Garden Catering is committed to helping the communities it serves and has donated over $400,000 to local non-profits through its fundraising program. For more information visit gardencatering.com or download the Garden Catering app.