we absolutely love this guy and his story.
So in August 2020, the Cedar Rapids area (and a large swath of the Midwest) suffered from hurricane force winds from a derecho that flew through the region.
The storm damaged a path from Iowa to Illinois and left millions without power., some for over 12 days.
So Willie Ray Fairley stepped up to the plate, swung and knocked it out of the park by hooking his grill up this vehicle and showing up to random neighborhoods providing hundreds of free meals a day to those in need.
Serious real-American hero stuff we are talking about here.
Willie Ray’s slow cooks everything they offer to perfection.
As the community struggles to return to normal, barbecue restaurant owner Willie Fairley is using his grill at Willie Ray’s Q Shack to provide his neighbors with at least 400 meals daily at no cost.
“Because if it was me home with nothing. I would want someone to at least be able to provide something for me.”
The city of Cedar Rapids faced the most storm damage, with more than 800 residential and commercial buildings suffering full or partial collapse of the roof, walls, ceiling or floors, Cedar Rapids Fire Chief Greg Smith said.
About 50 people were hospitalized with storm-related injuries around Cedar Rapids, according to the police department.
The goal of providing for those in need is exactly what Fairley has been able to achieve. The restaurant has provided at least a thousand free grilled meals to the community, including ribs, chicken, burgers and hot dogs, Fairley said.
The restaurant has been offered at least 15 catering jobs, but the business declined. “Money will come but people are in need right now,” said Fairley.
“The main reason we’re doing it free is because there’s been a lot of people donate to us to help us keep feeding people. So, we figure we’ll just do it to make sure everybody gets something.”
The business owner has become a local hero, with many celebrating the grill master’s efforts on social media. Several have even made posts nominating Willie Ray’s Q Shack for the Discover Eat It Forward program, a contest awarding $25,000 to Black-owned restaurants.
Fairley plans to continue to serve his community free food as long as there are funds to give, the restaurateur told CNN affiliate KGAN. He aims to feed a homeless shelter once a week, once the devastation from of the storm is over.
288 Blairs Ferry Rd NE
Cedar Rapids, IA 52402
Facebook: www.facebook.com/willieraysqshack/
Website: www.willieraysqshack.com/
Tel: 319-206-3806
