Milford Restaurant Offers Food To Those Without Money

MILFORD, CT - Flames Mediterranean & American Grill has only been open in Milford for about five months, but owner Walied Hanaif is already looking to give back to the community. He has posted a handwritten note on the restaurant's front door that reads "if you don't have money, come in and grab a sandwich for free."

While unconventional for a business, Hanaif said it is the least he could do, as he is hoping to spread some good in what he considers to be a great community.

“It feels good at the end of the day when you do the right thing," Hanaif said in an interview with Patch. "We are all human.”

The 46-year old restaurateur said he was compelled to put up the sign after he received a special gift shortly before opening for business. (For more information on this and other neighborhood stories, subscribe to Patch to receive daily newsletters and breaking news alerts.)

“Before we opened up, a homeless man came into the restaurant while I was doing construction," Hanaif said. "He game me a roasted chicken and some bread, and he said it was for me to keep for good luck.”

Though Hanaif was reluctant to take the generous gift at first, worried that he might deprive the man of his dinner, the man was insistent. Hanaif said his wife was present for this touching scene, her eyes welling with tears at the stranger's generosity.

Hanaif thanked the man profusely and told him to come into the restaurant for a drink or a sandwich anytime he wanted.

“He comes in sometimes now and I give him what I can," Hanaif said, "so I had to put that sign up because I realized there is a lot of good people in this world who need a little help.”

Hanaif said he is following advice his father had given him, words he has tried to live by his entire life.

“My father always told me that when you do the right thing, it will always come back to you," Hanaif said. "Give from the heart and people appreciate what you’re doing...when you see other people support you, it brings your energy up."'

When asked if he was worried that some people might try to take advantage of his generosity, Hanaif said he is not concerned. He is more focused on the good it has already brought about, with some customers being so touched by the sign that they have offered to leave $10 for the next person who comes in without money.

Though touched by these offers, Hanaif has declined taking any extra money from his kind-hearted customers.

“A lot of people ask if I have [the sign] up for a purpose," Hanaif said, "but I’m not doing it for anything. I’m just trying to do the right thing.”

He also hopes that by doing the right thing and spreading kindness throughout the community, he might set an example for two important people in his life.

“My son is 13-years-old and my daughter is 5-years-old," Hanaif said, "and I’m just trying to teach them the right way to live. Do the right thing in life and you will be rewarded. That’s all you have to do.”

Image courtesy Walied Hanaif