LAKE WORTH BEACH, Fla. — As Palm Beach County continues to grapple with the unemployment crisis, a local diner is bringing back a community tradition.
Farmer Girl Restaurant will have its doors open on Thanksgiving, but all guests will be able to eat for free.
It's part of a long-standing tradition of more than 30 years for the family restaurant.
The popular diner was originally owned by Pete Roubekas when the tradition began.
This year, the community effort will continue thanks to his nephew, Petro Bikos.
The restaurant has not hosted the Thanksgiving dinner each of the past three years. However, Bikos noticed an escalating need this year in Lake Worth Beach.
Knowing the pandemic has created unprecedented hardships for people in need, the Bikos family decided to restart the annual tradition.
Please spread the word!! Thank you for your continuous support!!
Posted by Farmer Girl Restaurant on Monday, November 9, 2020
"Those who are in need, homeless, alone or who would not otherwise enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving Dinner are invited to be guests of the Farmer Girl and enjoy turkey and dinners with all of the trimmings," Farmer Girl Restaurant said on its Facebook page. "There is no cost or other obligation. We will be open on Thanksgiving Day and ready to serve our local citizens their favorite Thanksgiving comfort foods."
The staff is asking everyone to spread the word so those in need know the Farmer Girl Restaurant will be open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., or while supplies last.
Deliveries are available to those who are shut in and within a three-mile radius of the restaurant.
The meals will be served free of charge and there is no reservation required.
"As in the past, we simply need your assistance spreading the word to those in need in our local community so that we may feed as many as possible on this special holiday," the restaurant said.
Farmer Girl Restaurant is located at 1732 N. Dixie Highway in Lake Worth Beach. For more information about the free meals on Thanksgiving, visit the restaurant's website or call (561) 582-0317.
Other restaurants offering free meals includes Howley’s restaurant which has partnered with Hospitality Helping Hands (H3) to offer free turkey plates to anyone who is unemployed from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. Individuals or families may drive up in their car or walk up and get a meal per family member.
In addition, anyone who is able may dine at Howley’s will receive a three course turkey dinner for a $19 or more donation. 100% of all sales collected on the sale of the dinners will go to help feed families in need on our community. Howley’s is located at 4700 S Dixie Highway, West Palm Beach, Florida 33405 or call 561-833-5691.
Churches are also giving meals across South Florida. Saint Catherine Greek Orthodox Church in West Palm is offering take out meals from 10am to 2pm. There will be no dining on the premises due to COVID-19. The church is located at 110 Southern Blvd, West Palm Beach, Florida 33405.