KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Small business owners are ready to get back to work next week.
But while their businesses have been closed for several weeks, a group of chefs, caterers and local bakers came together to whip up a new idea.
Once a week, the Soiree Steak and Oyster House opens its kitchen up to caterer Kenyetta Rollins and other small business owners to cook free meals for seniors.
"We try and serve at least 30 seniors every week if not more," Rollins said.
The ban on large public gatherings hit the catering industry hard. Rollins, who runs "I Cook With Love" Catering, decided instead of giving up, she gave back.
"I started doing that and ended up partnering with some girlfriends of mine who have their own businesses," Rollins said. "So they’ve been donating their time, their money and resources so it just kind of spiraled out of control right now, but we’re grateful for it."
She works with small business owners from Yum Kakes, Grind Addict Clothing Company, Soul Sweets by The Cake Lady, Curbside Happy Hour, JennyJen's Incredible Edibles and Soiree Steak and Oyster House.
"As God blesses me, I want to bless others and partnering with these ladies, it’s the same way," Rollins said.
Through donations, they've been able to serve more than 100 seniors the past few weeks.
"It’s really nice to get those thank you‘s and then they want to donate as well and they want to start giving back as well so you know it’s just a rippling effect," Rollins said.
She said just one meal can help make a difference in someone's life during these times of uncertainty.
"It makes us feel better, it makes us look better as a community, it makes us look better as a country to take the little that we have, putting it together and then expanding on it," she said.
Meals are dropped off to the seniors.
With Mother's Day coming up Sunday, they've been making cakes, pies and all kinds of goods to celebrate the mothers in the community.
Rollins said because of the support they've received, they're going to continue to do this once the restrictions are lifted for good.
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