PILSEN — As restaurants are forced to close dine-in services to curb the spread of the coronavirus, a Pilsen restaurant is giving out free to-go meals to vulnerable families in need and low-wage workers impacted by the global pandemic.
HaiSous owners Thai and Danielle Dang are bringing some of their staff together to prepare free meals for vulnerable families in the neighborhood and food and beverage workers laid off as the world grapples with the spreading virus.
The restaurant owners will distribute at least 100 more to-go meals at 6 p.m. Tuesday outside their restaurant at 1800 S. Carpenter St. They also passed out free meals Monday.
“In times like this, love, kindness compassion will get us through this,” Chef Thai Dang said in an Instagram video posted on Monday.
With the state-mandated shutdown of in-person dining at restaurants and bars, the couple will use its remaining perishable items to make free meals. On Monday, the HaiSous team prepared more than 100 meals that were scooped up within 20 minutes.
Eater Chicago first reported on HaiSous efforts.
In their efforts, the couple wants to make sure the meals go towards Pilsen community members in need, in particular, low paid restaurant industry workers who happen to be immigrants, struggling to survive during uncertain times.
“There are many in the community that will suffer. Immigrants are the backbone of the restaurant industry,” the Dangs said.
“Many pay into a system and can’t take it out. They pay into unemployment but can’t collect it in times like these. As business operators and community members here in Pilsen, we see devastating consequences to the well being of many.
“After seeing the reaction from the public, we can only wish we had more to give,” The Dangs said. “There are many in need here.”
“This is serious,” they said.
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