Atwater's Best BBQ Gives Back In Coronavirus Pandemic

ST. PETERSBURG, FL — When the coronavirus pandemic hit, many local businesses were slapped with unexpected struggles and severe financial loss as the economy closed. The first thing the owner of Atwater's Best BBQ & Soul Food thought is that he wanted to help put food on the table for children in St. Petersburg.

"I was prepared, and the first thing that came to my mind is that kids got to eat," Eric Atwater told Patch. "So I put my money together and went and bought some meat, fresh vegetables and some supplies to feed my community and the kids in the community."

Atwater has a big, homemade sign outside his business at 895 22nd Ave. South that says, "Kids Eat Free."

There isn't a stop date set for feeding the kids. Atwater wants to give youths nourishment for as long as possible.

He said he's also given free food to adults in the community who have struggled to afford groceries since losing their jobs due to busines closings and layoffs.

"At a bad time, it's been a great experience, and God is good," he said.

He said his business has not suffered financial loss during the pandemic.

His restaurant is a family-owned business that his grandparents started in south St. Pete in 1952. Atwater laughed as he said he's been in the business since the day he was born, and because of decades of community support for their business, he is thankful that he can give back to the community during difficult times.

His son and daughter are employed at the restaurant working alongside Atwater.

"We have had so many people helping us help the community with their donations, too," he said. "It's like coronavirus brought my community together."

In addition to barbecue ribs, Atwater's has fish, crab and chicken sandwiches among other dishes on their menu.

Visit their Facebook page to learn more about Atwater's.