CLEVELAND — One act of kindness, paying for a strangers meal, has lead to something much bigger in Lorain, Ohio.

What You Need To Know

  • Broadway Mary’s is a 70s themed, locally owned restaurant in Lorain, Ohio

  • Thanks to one act of kindness, it's now a trend for customers to pre-pay for meals for those in need at the restaurant

  • The owner explained this initiative has received positive feedback within the community and online

Mary Szefcyk, the owner of Broadway Mary’s, said a board at the front of her restaurant is filling up with pre-paid meal tickets, all thanks to one act of kindness from a customer. 

“Over this past weekend, a regular came in and asked to speak with me,” she explained. “‘Hey, I see your community involvement and how much you care. Would you mind if I bought a meal and help someone in need or someone who is just having a bad day, just kind of a pay it forward thing.’”

Szefcyk said that the community response to this has been extremely positive, with many people coming in to the restaurant to pre-pay for a strangers meal or drink since hearing about the initiative on social media.

The owner added she welcomes anyone to come grab one of the meal tickets.

“Just come in here, grab a meal,” she said. “Sometimes it feels good to just be taken care of.”