SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. — Despite a devastating loss in sales due to the coronavirus pandemic, the owner of a Winter Springs restaurant is giving back to the community by handing out hot meals to students while they learn from home.
Dominick’s Restaurant in Winter Springs handed out shells and sauce for lunch on Wednesday as to-go orders.
“I checked into the lunches they were given from the school -- it was cold, and it was like Uncrustables and stuff like that, so I decided I would give them a hot lunch,” owner Dominick Commesso said.
The idea has taken off. On Monday, Dominick’s fed 326 students. On Wednesday, 675 and on Wednesday, close to a thousand.
“I think it’s an awesome reason to get out of the house for a few minutes and for moms not to cook," said Michelle Cortez, a mother in Winter Springs.
Commesso said he didn’t expect such a turnout, but it’s a great feeling to do this for the people.”
Dominick’s Restaurant has only been pulling in 22% of their normal gross weekly sales, and remains open for takeout only and still has his entire staff employed.
"I feel we have a lot and some people don't have anything so better to do some good than to think about yourself during this time," Commesso said.
Though the food was free, some parents gave back by donating money.
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