Leslie Turk

Bailey's & Ruth's Chris' Thanksgiving spirit lives on

by Leslie Turk

It began in 1993 as an expression of caring and hope and continues this Thanksgiving, as award-winning Bailey’s Restaurant plans to hold its free annual Thanksgiving luncheon for those in need. And for the 10th consecutive year, Ruth's Chris Steakhouse is once again teaming up with Acadiana Outreach to feed the poor.

“It is my honor and pleasure to open my doors to the less fortunate of Lafayette and Acadiana during this great season of Thanksgiving to help share my blessings with them," says Bailey's owner Ema Haq. The Johnston Street restaurant is offering the free meals on Thanksgiving Day from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The restaurant will seat and serve nearly 250 people, and the same Thanksgiving dinner will be delivered to the homes of those who are unable to come to the restaurant due to a physical handicap. “We’re providing free transportation to and from our restaurant to anyone in need and will be providing our Thanksgiving meal delivery services that day for those unable to be with us,” Haq adds. For more information on Bailey’s Thanksgiving Luncheon or to arrange for transportation, call 337.988.6464.

At Acadiana Outreach at the corner of South Buchanan and Second streets in downtown Lafayette, Ruth's Chris, Acadiana Bottling and the non-profit's staff will join together with community volunteers to feed Thanksgiving dinner to an estimated crowd of more than 400.

Donations of dessert items are needed for Acadiana Outreach's luncheon and can be delivered to the Celebration Center today or by 10:30 a.m. on Thanksgiving Day. For more information, call 337.237.7618 or visit Acadiana Outreach's Web site. For volunteer opportunities, donations or more information, contact Sandi Degeyter at [email protected].