VIDEO: Restaurant Opens Doors And Provides Free Meals

TUPELO, Miss. (WCBI)- Non-profits and community organizations are known for supplying meals to the less fortunate, especially on holidays.

But it’s rare that you hear of a restaurant opening it’s doors and providing complimentary meals to it’s community.

Though they’re known for their seafood throughout the year, Thursday they opened their doors with something different on their plates.

“We’re serving a Thanksgiving, a traditional Thanksgiving meal to those that want to come and participate. Not only for those who can’t afford it, but those people that may be lonely and by themselves for whatever reason and want a little fellowship and we just provide that opportunity from 11 o’clock to 1:30 today,” says owner Gerald Hegan.

And that’s exactly what they did.

Gerald Hegan and his wife own the Sherman favorite, Cravin Catfish.

With the help of volunteers they were able to serve hundreds free Thanksgiving meals.

And the community is thankful.

“I think it’s a blessing for them and this community for what they’re doing today, because today is Thanksgiving and we thank them for what they are doing for us, they are giving back and that’s a blessing,” says Charles Parks.

“Everyone is so nice here, the servers and all, and everything, and the food is delicious,” says Billy Hutchinson.

“I think it’s great. A lot of people don’t get to eat and everybody’s here and everyone has a good time. It’s really wonderful,” says Micheal Faulkner.

Hutchinson says she’s thankful for the fellowship the feast provides.

“My family is having dinner at their house and I’m unable to drive that far so I decided to come over here. Lots and lots of people my age that will come over here, that don’t have family you know and it’s just nice of them to do it I think,” says Hutchinson.

Hegan says this an important cause to him and his family.

“Why’s it important? Because it’s a chance to give thanks to God. And that’s the true meaning of Thanksgiving is thanking Him for all the blessing He’s given us throughout the year and throughout our lives for that matter,” says Hegan.

He hopes his guests leave with full stomachs and hearts.

“I hope they feel like we want them to come in. And feel the blessing and the sharing of God’s love with them and that’s all we want them to feel. We want them to have a good meal and enjoy themselves and feel blessed,” says Hegan.