Generosity is nothing new to Ian Kelly. 

The Sugar Shack and Luther Burger founder says for the seven years his business has been around, it’s always looked for opportunities to help. “I don’t see the free meals ending any time soon.”

The combo doughnut and burger joint on Huguenot Road has been giving out meals, free of charge, to anyone who shows up and inquires between the hours of 11 a.m. and 8 p.m. 

The weekend of March 20-22 Kelly says eight employees came in and they were able to prep 5,000 burgers in advance of the customer rush. “That was fantastic, at the end of the night, so many people had come through,” Kelly says. 

While the restaurant recently dedicated a day of free food for first responders and nurses, Kelly says the program is particularly focused on out-of-school kids. He says he’s trying to figure out how to safely and efficiently get the free meals to low-income areas where a lot of kids live. Until then, no need to call ahead. Just show up. 

For those who can afford to pay for their meal, please do. People can also donate to the cause online (lutherburger.square.site) so that the restaurant can continue its free food program. And yes, it now has vegan options too.