By Romy Stephens
The team at Dudley’s restaurant in Olinda is hoping to lift people’s spirits by handing out freshly baked bread every Thursday.
Baker Rob will be preparing warm loafs for locals to pick up, free of charge, from midday onwards as part of Free Bread Thursday.
There will also be an optional gold coin donation box with proceeds going towards the CFA.
Dudley’s owner Mary Miller said the initiative was simply to offer a feel-good gesture.
She encouraged locals who were feeling down or struggling through the pandemic as well as loyal customers to head down and grab some bread.
“We know some people up here are doing it a bit tough, there’s quite a few sad people around so we just want to put a smile on their face,” she said.
Like all other restaurants in the hills, Dudley’s has been forced to switch to a takeaway only menu.
Locals can pick up warm meals such as pizza, hot soups with bread, homemade marinated chicken souvlaki and homemade pita bread to take away.
Ms Miller said despite the tough times recently, her staff and the local community have been extremely supportive.
“We have some wonderful staff on JobKeeper, they come in and spend their time waiting for customers. They are all really positive and so is the team in the kitchen,” she said.
“We’ve had a lot of local support…we’ve just had wonderful words about our staff and our food, and those people that live further away can’t wait to come back.
“It’s a really nice journey we’re going through because it can bring out the best in people.”
Dudley’s restaurant is currently open six nights and five lunchtimes a week for takeaway. The restaurant is closed all day Tuesday and Wednesday lunchtime.
Free Bread Thursday will run every Thursday from midday throughout the current lockdown period.
