Keith Richards is coming to town!

That’s what Sean Ryan, president of the board of the Down Syndrome Association told me. Actually a different Keith Richards, the Keith Richards that founded Taziki’s Mediterranean Café, located here in Short Pump, will be at the restaurant tomorrow, March 26, to honor employee Annie Callahan for her involvement with Down Syndrome programs. A portion of the evening’s sales and a matching donation will be given to the Down Syndrome Association of Greater Richmond.

Richards began his company, now numbering 41 locations, in 1998 and came up with a program to help special needs students, Herbs Offering Personal Enrichment (HOPE). In it, participants are hired and taught how to grow fresh herbs that are then used in Taziki’s restaurants. They also have the opportunity to transition to jobs within the restaurant chain.

Richards is traveling to Richmond to congratulate Callahan in person and to encourage diners to get involved with the city’s local chapter.