There’s just a little restaurant in Brewton, Alabama, with no costs on the menu. As a result of you possibly can pay no matter you possibly can afford. And when you can’t spare a dime, no downside.
Meals for the Needy
For the previous 5 years, Drexell & Honeybee’s has been a shining beacon for these in want who may use a scorching meal. The distinctive restaurant on this small city close to the Alabama–Florida border has taken Southern hospitality to a different degree, providing conventional lunches three days per week. The shoppers quantity greater than 100 on a median day. Some pay greater than what the meal would usually value, subsidizing those that can’t afford to go away something within the donation field besides a notice of thanks.
It is the brainchild of Lisa McMillan, a girl who obtained her inspiration to be a culinary guardian angel in a grocery retailer checkout line. Whereas ready behind an older girl who was digging free change out of her purse, Ms. McMillan found that the woman may use a monetary serving to hand. She began cooking and delivering breakfast to her.
“Fairly quickly, I had 27 different seniors on my route, bringing eggs, grits, and bacon whereas stopping at Burger King for 27 cups of espresso,” she stated. 5 years in the past, Ms. McMillan and her husband, Freddie, took issues to a different degree, spending greater than six figures to show an empty liquor retailer that was a significant fixer-upper right into a cheerful, welcoming restaurant full with uncovered brick partitions and a beautiful wooden ceiling.
Now, it serves good old school Southern house cooking.
“I’m so joyful God blessed me with the revelation. Cash is barely good when you possibly can assist different folks,” Ms. McMillan stated.
Form Hearts, Light Fingers
The McMillans usually begin cooking at about 6 a.m. Mr. McMillan, a retired Marine grasp sergeant, is busy on this present day making apple pies.
“My grandmother taught me easy methods to cook dinner. By the point I used to be 12, I may cook dinner something within the kitchen,” he stated.
Mr. McMillan cherished his spouse’s authentic thought when she informed him that she needed to open a restaurant to assist the needy. “I noticed her motivation and stated, ‘Let’s take it on.’ There’s nice satisfaction in feeding folks that actually want a serving to hand,” he stated.
The restaurant may use some serving to fingers within the kitchen as properly, since cooking for greater than 100 prospects is a ton of labor for 2 folks. Earlier this 12 months, Ms. McMillan posted a notice on social media asking for volunteers. Brittany Fuqua was the one one that confirmed up, donating her time each week. She does all the things from washing dishes to serving to serve the meals with a cheerful smile. “I like attending to know the individuals who come right here. It’s actually satisfying to assist locally,” she stated.
