Speedway restaurant offers ‘pay what you can’ option for customers
SPEEDWAY, Ind. (WISH) — A restaurant hit hard by the pandemic is making a generous offer to its customers hit just as hard: pay what you can, no questions asked. Across the street from a place known for one-way traffic, giving seems to be a two-way street at O’Reilly’s Irish Pub and Restaurant.
Owner Joel Reitz said it’s his turn to give back to a community which has given him so much over the last three years.
O’Reilly’s has a different vibe these days, including free dog treats and hand sanitizer out front.
Of course, it’s carryout only, with employees wearing masks for those meeting the customers.
There’s even a new menu. But don’t let the numbers on the side which indicate prices scare you.
For those who cannot afford it, it’s just optional.
“Hoosiers help each other, that’s what we do. It’s been great,” said Reitz.
While most customers do pay the full listed price, perhaps 85% or more of customers, for that other 15%, it might be the difference between eating and not.
“They are very grateful, very,” Reitz said. “If it doesn’t generate repeat business, it’s not supposed to, but we have made lifelong friends in the community. We really have.”
The gesture comes at a time when business overall has dropped about 80% almost overnight.
The other three O’Reilly locations, downtown as well as Greenwood and Fort Wayne, are taking the chance to do some remodeling. The other locations are more event-driven and not as close to neighborhoods. So the Speedway storefront is open.
Reitz believes normal is still five weeks away, maybe longer.
“We’re just building up excitement waiting for it to get back. It’s taking a little bit longer than we expected but we will be back. I firmly believe that,” he said.
O’Reilly’s has found other customers have helped pick up the generosity and are paying it forward. Some customers who can afford a lot more than their bill are tipping big and even buying for extra meals to help the restaurant help others.
So things are a little different for the time being. Reitz said O’Reilly’s is doing what it can to help others get through, even if it means picking up the bill.
”We don’t believe there’s any other option. You give when people need it. It’s Hoosier hospitality.”
O’Reilly’s has started offering a family meal that can feed about 4-6 people for a suggested price of about $25.
Most who are not paying full price are still paying $10 to $15.
On the flip side, one customer bought six family meals but only took one of them home with her.