"They got the best food in town and they are giving it away free," Maxwell Steel, patron, said.
Turkey Chop Gourmet Grill doesn't serve beef or pork. The goal is to offer healthier fast-food in low-income communities. Every Monday, the restaurant closes to paying customers and opens to feed the community.
"That's what Turkey Chop is about. It's empowering the community, empowering our people to eat better," Quentin Love, owner of Turkey Chop, said.
Love has been in the restaurant business for more than a decade. While the brands and locations have changed over the years, his mission remains the same.
"My whole purpose in life is to help my people and to make sure that we revitalize our communities and we use our food as a vehicle," Love said. The grill partners with a West Humboldt Park neighborhood group for the Monday meals.
"West Humboldt Park is a lower income area, predominately African-American. There are a lot of people that are unemployed, a high rate of unemployment and a very big need for something like this," Megan Hinchey, West Humboldt Park Development Council, said.
Those being served say they hope the Turkey Chop's efforts spark others to give back, as well.
"When something like this happens, it plants a seed and the seed starts to grow," Tyrone Smith, patron, said.
The food is largely supplied by the Great Chicago Food Depository, but organizers are looking for more donations. They also need volunteers to help cook, greet and serve guests. Find out how to help at the West Humboldt Park Development Council website, http://www.whpdevelopmentcouncil.net/news/7269 , and learn more about Turkey Chop at Gourmet and Grill at http://www.turkeychop.com/.
Turkey Chop Gourmet Grill 3506 West Chicago Avenue Chicago, IL (773) 384-2500
