Award-winning Westfield Pizzeria Feeds Veterans For Free

WESTFIELD, NJ - It has been an intense inaugural year for Burim Regjaj and Outta Hand Pizza. Since purchasing the South Avenue West business, Regjaj's pizzeria has made thousands of pies, filled thousands of bellies and even picked up first prize at the Pizza Palooza hosted at the Westfield Area YMCA on Sunday.

But owner Burim Regjaj said the bellies he is proudest to have filled, are those of American veterans. And that happened because one veteran who walked through the door of the shop without the means to pay.

"Last summer a man walked into our shop who couldn't afford food," Regjaj said. "We offered him a warm meal and learned he was a veteran. He enjoy the meal so much it filled my heart with joy."

That joy led Regjaj to do more for those who served.

"That’s when it came to me: why not get the Westfield community involved to help provide veterans meals," he said. "Now, when anyone pre-pays a meal for veterans, we match it by 20 percent. We add $4 to every $16 contribution."

The response, according to Regjaj, has been phenomenal.

"Response was incredible and donations began pouring in. We had at least two businesses prepaying 20 meals each. People from Trenton to Staten Island and many towns in between come or call to prepay a meal or two," Regjaj said. "People have been kind enough to come to the pizzeria just to meet and show their appreciation for our initiative."

Regjaj saide they started by hosting veterans at the pizzeria, but quickly the number of pre-paid meals exceeded their capacity. So they brought the meals to the veterans.

"We then began delivering the meals to the veterans with no means of transportation," he said.

Regjaj said unlike other fundraisers or support movements, Outta Hands is more hands-on.

"We don’t just collect funds and shuffle them off to the veterans. We enjoy serving the veterans by preparing, delivering and the serving of the meals ourselves," he said.

As for the pizzeria's accolades, Regjaj said he is not surprised.

"Our pizza and pasta recipes are generations old," he said. "Winning 1st Place for Best Pizza at Pizza-Palooza was a wonderful validation that our recipes win top honors in the community."

Those who want to help feed the veterans can call 908.233.9300 or stop by the pizzeria on 311 South Avenue W in Westfield. Credit Card, cash or Venmo (@outtahandpizza-pay) accepted.

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