Local Restaurants Serve Free Thanksgiving Meals to Community Now

UPDATE: Local restaurants in Waukegan and North Chicago are stepping up to serve free Thanksgiving dinners to those in need this year. Big Ed’s BBQ, Juan’s Chuck Wagon, and Eleven19 Kitchen & Cocktails are opening their doors on November 23, 2023, to ensure that no one feels alone during the holiday season.

Big Ed’s BBQ will offer its annual free Thanksgiving meal from noon to 4 p.m. Guests can choose to dine inside or use the drive-through service. Owner Ed Nero emphasized the importance of community connection, stating, “No one should feel alone.” The restaurant now has the capacity to serve 150 people at a time, allowing diners to share a meal at long tables.

Meanwhile, Juan’s Chuck Wagon will provide free dinners from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., featuring traditional dishes like turkey, stuffing, and pies. Michael Coleman of Eleven19 Kitchen & Cocktails confirmed that their free meals for the homeless will be served from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., with a 50% discount for military and community service members from 1 to 8 p.m.

This year’s efforts come as the community faces challenges, including a noticeable increase in local stress levels due to federal immigration enforcement activities. Waukegan Mayor Sam Cunningham expressed gratitude for the initiative, highlighting how these meals exemplify the spirit of togetherness during tough times. “Their generosity reminds us what the holiday season is all about,” Cunningham stated in an email.

More than 150 volunteers are helping to prepare and serve the meals. Guests dining indoors at Big Ed’s BBQ will find a menu that includes turkey, ham, cornbread, and sides like macaroni and cheese and collard greens. For those opting for takeout, the process will be streamlined for convenience.

The trend of providing free Thanksgiving meals has deep roots in the community. Juan Retana of Juan’s Chuck Wagon noted that the tradition started with his father back in 1996. “This year has been a rough year with everything that’s happened. A lot of people are scared. We want to help the community get back to normal,” Retana said.

Both Nero and Retana are committed to giving back, providing a warm meal and a sense of community during the holidays. As the local economy faces challenges, these initiatives serve as a reminder of the resilience and solidarity within the community.

As the countdown to Thanksgiving continues, residents of Waukegan and North Chicago are encouraged to take part in these events, ensuring that everyone can enjoy a warm meal and the companionship of others this holiday season.

Stay tuned for more updates as the holiday approaches, and share the message so that no one in the community goes without a Thanksgiving meal.