MT. JULIET, Tenn (WTVF) — As non-essential workers are asked to stay home, truck drivers are still on road delivering vital goods across the country. But with many restaurants closed because of the COVID-19, drivers are having trouble finding a meal.
When Tennessee Governor Bill Lee issued an executive order asking all restaurants to close their dining areas to help prevent the spread of the Coronavirus, the news hit hard.
But staff at Big Bad Wolf Grill in Mt. Juliet wasn’t going to let it stop business -- and that's all thanks to one loyal customer.
Carrie B. Fisher’s son is a truck driver, and in the wake of COVID-19 he was telling Fisher how truckers were having a hard time getting a meal.
"He was saying that a lot of rest stops were closed, a lot of truck stops were closed," said Fisher. "He said some truckers were able to go to the grocery stores and get food and that kind thing, but they’re now having an interruption in their process."
So Fisher, knowing small restaurants needed some help, asked Big Bad Wolf Grill if they could feed truck drivers for free through donations.
"We just take that money and we put it on a gift card, an electronic gift card and just keep adding to it until somebody needs it, and we use it to pay towards their meal," said restaurant owner Victoria LeClaire.
If a trucker calls and ask for a meal under the Joe Kind Fund, then it’s free. The fund is named after Fisher's son.
Fisher and LeClaire say the free meal can also apply to those who’ve lost their jobs because of the pandemic and deadly Tennessee tornadoes.
They are asking for more donations and more truckers to come by to help pay it forward even in a time of need.
"We want to be a good example, and we’re very grateful for our customers, our loyal customers and the people like Carrie who are here every week," said LeClaire.
For more information call Big Bad Wolf Grill 615-773-2258.
