Four communities are showering a Sunshine Coast restaurant chain with gratitude after its extremely generous and random act of kindness.
Bombay Bliss Indian Restaurants at Tewantin, Coolum Beach, Maroochydore and Caloundra handed out an estimated 3000 free meals to communities in a “rare” act of goodwill just before Christmas.
Tewantin store manager and chef Vishal Yadav said he calculated that about 750 traditional vegetarian and non-vegetarian curries, rice and naan breads were dispersed to people at each of the four stores.
He said the “simple” gesture was for everyone: the vulnerable, their existing customers, the general public and tourists.
“We were very excited to do that,” Mr Yadav said.
“It was a way for us to thank our local communities for supporting us through the hard times, especially through Covid, as well as spreading some festive goodwill and cheer.
“Our existing customers have been so good to us, asking us to stay open and standing behind us. We are always thankful for that so it’s the least we could do.”
Doonan resident Brooke Barnett was one recipient who took to social media to express her gratefulness for the gesture, saying it was “such a rare thing to see these days”.
Her Facebook post generated a strong engagement, receiving more than 900 likes and 58 comments.
“Just wanted to say a huge ‘Thank You!’ To Bombay Bliss Indian Restaurant in Tewantin for providing free lunch to the community … ,” Ms Barnett posted.
“… so very much appreciated by those of us who value community-minded acts. You made my day, so thank you.”
Ms Barnett said it was uncanny as the Tewantin Bombay Bliss was her favourite takeaway restaurant and she so happened to be getting an X-ray taken directly next door that day.
“It was greatly appreciated as I’ve had a hard year financially and have had to be very aware of eating meals out,” she said.
“I felt very lucky.”
Mr Yadav said he could not express how overwhelming the communities’ reactions were.
“It felt amazing to see and to hear people thanking us,” he said.
“Sure, we might have of lost some money but we have gained a few new customers, but it wasn’t about that.”
To drum up as many recipients as possible, Mr Yadav said the four restaurants began to advertise the free community meals about two weeks before through the stores, social media and their website.
“That worked very well for us,” he said.
“The recipients were mostly pretty local and have known us a long time.”
Bombay Bliss team members distributed meals from the stores, while others walked down to other businesses and offered the lunches to every person they encountered.
“We tried to cover as many meals by area that we could,” Mr Yadav said.
“We came up with the idea because we thought this was the best way to say thank you by giving them a quick meal. It was nothing special.
“My team and I felt really good and excited while we were planning it and they were ready to make the idea work. It felt great to thank them on Christmas and ask them to have a meal with us.”
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