Stratford Man, Eatery Team Up To Serve Free Meal Amid Coronavirus

STRATFORD, CT — A Stratford man and a Fairfield restaurant have partnered to offer a free meal to those who are struggling financially due to the spread of the new coronavirus.

Andrew Testo and The Brickyard Pub are working together to give away free pizzas and chicken wings to anyone in need who comes to the eatery Friday evening.

“We’re trying to give back to the community,” said Testo, who is a graduate of Fairfield College Preparatory School. “… Everybody’s got to eat.”

Testo, a catering chef, reached out to several of his contacts in the food service industry about teaming up to feed people affected by the virus. In addition to The Brickyard Pub, two restaurants in Milford and one in Shelton have expressed interest.

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As of Thursday, 1,012 cases of the new coronavirus were confirmed in Connecticut, with 607 of those in Fairfield County, according to state data. Precautions to prevent transmission of the virus have resulted in the closure of schools, parks and many businesses.

“It just became clear that this was the right thing to do,” said Jennifer Wilson, who owns The Brickyard Pub.

Meal distribution will take place 6 to 9 p.m. at the restaurant, 93 Post Road. People can park behind the business to receive a free cheese pizza and 10 chicken wings via curbside pickup. The pizzas are being provided by Milford-based Arthur Ave Pizza & Catering, while the wings are from The Brickyard Pub. The organizers are preparing to feed about 100 people, Testo said.

“We’re trying to feed the most people with what we have,” he said.