Free dinner at Elite Restaurant becoming a ‘family tradition’
For the past three years, Barry Wood has had hundreds of guests over for Christmas dinner. The co-owner of the Elite Restaurant on Main Street is more than happy to spend the evening of Dec. 25 with those looking for a place to eat, drink and be merry.
“This has become a family tradition. It’s what we do on Christmas Day,” Wood said.
“I quite enjoy making this happen.”
Volunteer staff help put together the free meal open to anyone and everyone.
“It’s nice. It’s a warm place to come in with food,” Wood said, noting they have yet to run out and are often sending leftovers to the soup kitchen. “We always have too much.” The people who, for one reason or another, would rather not eat in the restaurant can swing by and get a meal to go.
The buffet-style meal includes free pop and coffee and sees people from all walks of life, Wood said.
“The Soupateria has their lunch on Christmas and people come down from that. Most of the calls I’m getting are from seniors, downtown seniors, just looking for a place to be so they’re not alone Christmas Day,” Wood said.
Wood said anyone with some interest in playing live Christmas tunes during the meal is more than welcome to contact him.
“This year, people have been calling and are already dropping off cash donations, turkey and there’s lots of volunteer interest,” Wood said.
The dinner takes place Christmas Day from 5 to 8 p.m.